Chart Wise: Spirit of St. Louis ILS 26L

It’s a straightforward approach, whether you’re just getting your ticket, or you’re an old hand.

Jason Blair

Monday, May 06, 2024 at 09:07 AM ET

Verified

Here's a step-by-step look at the approach to Spirit of St. Louis Airport (KSUS). [Image: Jeppesen]

Key Takeaways:

The article details an instrument approach near St. Louis, presenting multiple transition options for pilots, including one via the STL VOR requiring a course reversal and another from the TOY VOR that bypasses it.
Various methods are available for identifying the Final Approach Fix (FAF), such as IFR GPS, VOR cross-radials, ADF to an NDB, or using the outer marker beacon.
Pilots flying this approach must manage a high number of navigation frequencies (up to four distinct sources) for different segments and be vigilant about landing on the correct parallel runway and following a unique missed approach procedure to a different VOR (FTZ).

See a mistake? Contact us.

The “Gateway to the West,” St. Louis proper has a big “middle of the country busy” airport that many pilots might choose to avoid—St. Louis Lambert International (KSTL). However, the Spirit of St. Louis Airport (KSUS) just to the west of town offers a good alternative for a trip to this vibrant city with its co-conspiring jazz and barbecue scenes.

This Article First Appeared in FLYING Magazine

If you're not already a subscriber, what are you waiting for? Subscribe today to get the issue as soon as it is released in either Print or Digital formats.