Chart Wise: Sedona (KDEZ) RNAV (GPS) Rwy 3

This Arizona airport's higher altitude means there are some things a pilot should be aware of when using an instrument approach to arrive.

Jason Blair

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 08:55 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Kimberly Johnson

Sitting at a higher altitude than many other airports, there are some things a pilot should be aware of when using an instrument approach to arrive at Sedona, Arizona. [Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

Sedona Airport (KSEZ) has a single instrument approach due to high terrain and altitude, often requiring a circle-to-land on Runway 21.
Pilots face strict circling limitations, including increased minimums for faster aircraft categories, no night circling for Runway 21, and specific no-fly zones for circling.
The approach features demanding high-altitude Initial Approach Fixes (IAFs), a significant altitude drop with multiple stepdowns to MDA-only minimums, and a high-altitude, long-leg missed approach procedure requiring good aircraft performance.

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A flight to Sedona, Arizona, to visit some local spas or art galleries, access numerous trailheads for Red Rock State Park, or for a food tour might be just the relaxation getaway needed. But sitting at a higher altitude than many other airports, there are some things a pilot should be aware of when using an instrument approach to arrive.

This Article First Appeared in FLYING Magazine

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