Chart Wise: Newport News/Williamsburg, Virginia, LOC Rwy 20

This approach could be necessary when rain or clouds are present off the ocean.

Jason Blair

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (KPHF) Runway 20 [Courtesy: News/Williamsburg International Airport Instagram]

Key Takeaways:

The LOC Runway 20 approach at KPHF is a non-precision approach requiring DME or a suitable GPS substitute, as both the Final Approach Fix (FAF) and Missed Approach Point (MAP) are identified by DME.
Pilots can use feeder routes from the HCM or CCV VORs to the PANLE intersection to transition directly into the approach without needing a procedure turn.
As a localizer-only approach, it requires pilots to descend to a Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) rather than a Decision Altitude (DA), offering a higher minimum altitude compared to an ILS.
The missed approach procedure involves flying straight ahead to 2,000 feet, then turning right direct to the HCM VORTAC to hold, which conveniently positions the aircraft at an Initial Approach Fix for a subsequent attempt.

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Visiting the historic triangle area of Virginia near Newport News, Williamsburg, or Yorktown offers the opportunity to fly into Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (KPHF). With frequent rainy or cloudy conditions off of the ocean during some seasons, flying the LOC Runway 20 approach might be needed.

This Article First Appeared in FLYING Magazine

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