Chart Wise: Rangeley Lake Seaplane Base (M57) RNAV (GPS)-C

IFR procedure mandates turn at FAF and requires human altimeter reading for Maine landing.

Jason Blair

Wednesday, August 05, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Keith Deschambeault has leased Rangeley Lake Seaplane Base since 2007 and uses it for his commercial operations. [Credit: Keith Deschambeault]

Key Takeaways:

The article describes a rare IFR approach designed for seaplanes, culminating in a water landing on Rangeley Lake in Maine.
The approach follows a distinct path, starting at the SHINY waypoint, turning right at the FAF (ZEMSI), and ending at the MAP (FOXAL) for landing.
It features unique "circling only" minimums, requires an altimeter setting via CTAF, and is restricted to Category A and B aircraft during daylight hours.
A specific missed approach procedure is outlined, instructing pilots to climb to 6,000 feet and hold at the EYEES waypoint.

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There aren’t many approaches in the IFR system that let a pilot fly an instrument procedure that doesn’t terminate on land, but this one does. This approach brings a pilot to the northern port of Rangeley Lake in Maine.

This Article First Appeared in FLYING Magazine

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