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) presents a uniquely challenging instrument approach due to high altitude and surrounding terrain, offering only one approach often requiring a circle-to-land.
Circling is subject to significant restrictions, including prohibitions northwest of the runway and at night for Runway 21, with minimums increasing substantially for faster aircraft categories.
The approach features high-altitude Initial Approach Fixes (IAFs) at 9,500 feet MSL, significant stepdowns to a TDZE of 4,793 feet MSL, and is an MDA-only approach, not LPV WAAS.
Both holding patterns and the demanding missed approach procedure involve high altitudes (up to 12,000 feet MSL) and long 7 nm GPS legs, requiring excellent 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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