Chart Wise: Sandpoint, Idaho (KSZT) RNAV (GPS) Y Rwy 2

Reaching the mountain region airport offers a unique approach path.

Jason Blair

Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The biggest commercial draw to Sandpoint, Idaho, area is its thousands of skiable acres. [Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

The approach to Sandpoint, Idaho (KSZT) is challenging, featuring multiple turns to navigate mountainous terrain and an offset final approach course.
Circling to the west of Runway 2-20 is prohibited due to terrain, requiring pilots to enter left traffic to the east for circling to Runway 20.
The published missed approach is complex, involving turns, a hold, and a demanding minimum climb gradient of 310 feet per nautical mile, requiring careful aircraft performance evaluation.

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Whether you are headed to Sandpoint, Idaho, in the summer for some hiking, boating, fishing, or camping, or the winter for nearby ski resorts, getting into this mountainous airport can take a pilot on an interesting approach path.

This Article First Appeared in FLYING Magazine

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