Butte, Montana, and its Bert Mooney Airport (BTM) are nestled snuggly between the Yellowstone and Glacier national parks in the southwestern portion of the state, where copper mining was once the primary economic driver. The Butte VOR-A approach to Mooney Airport seems pretty straightforward, but remember, of course, that any approach without a runway number indicates the final approach course does not technically meet the definition of a straight-in. The VOR-A’s R098 final approach course is pretty close, and should, under no-wind conditions, offer a glimpse of Runway 12 out the left front cockpit window if the weather permits.
Chart Wise: Training and Technique
Key Takeaways:
- Bert Mooney Airport (BTM) in Butte, Montana, utilizes a VOR-A approach (R098) that, though not a technical straight-in, closely aligns with Runway 12.
- The airport is situated at a high field elevation of 5,551 feet, with significant terrain challenges, including a 3,000-foot rise to the east and higher terrain to the west, particularly critical during the missed approach.
- These challenging surrounding obstacles contribute to high minimums of 7,120 feet MSL for all aircraft categories during approaches to BTM.
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