Chart Wise: Paine Field ILS Y or LOC Y Rwy 16R

Here are the procedures, limitations, and details for this busy Seattle-area airport.

Jason Blair

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Seattle Paine Field is a tactical hub for the region, housing more than 500 aircraft of all categories. [Credit: Snohomish County]

Key Takeaways:

Seattle Paine Field International (KPAE) is a busy airport under Seattle's Class B airspace, home to the Boeing factory and a mix of airline and general aviation traffic.
The ILS Y or LOC Y approach to Runway 16R at KPAE requires specific navigational procedures utilizing VOR/DME for waypoints and is restricted to Category A and B aircraft (approach speeds up to 120 knots).
Pilots using this approach must be aware of a night circling restriction to Runway 34R and can utilize visual aids like PAPI and color-coded centerline lighting on Runway 16R/34L.

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Tucked under the north side of Seattle’s very busy Class B airspace is Seattle Paine Field International (KPAE) in Everett, Washington. The airport is home to the Boeing factory, the largest building on earth by volume, airline operations, and a robust general aviation contingent.

This Article First Appeared in FLYING Magazine

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