Read Beside The Lines

Harvey Field in western Washington State (S43) is one of those almost mythical GA wonderlands. Cloth-clad antiques trundle down a runway that requires mowing while skydivers pack a careworn Caravan for just one more jump. Views of both can be enjoyed from the windows of on-field caf. At least, thats the way it used to be. Its been a while since Ive had the pleasure. Since Ive frequented the field, Harvey has also stepped into the digital age with its own GPS approach. But like the fuel gauges on my buddy Daves Harvey-based Globe Swift, its an imprecise thing. In fact, its a downright odd-looking approach for something starting with the letters RNAV-which should be a clue to anyone flying it that theres probably more going on here than meets the eye. Perhaps literally.

Key Takeaways:

• The RNAV (GPS) approach to Harvey Field (S43) features an unusual left turn at the Final Approach Fix (FAF), primarily designed to avoid an 880-foot tower by placing it in a less restrictive secondary protected area.
• This approach only offers circling minimums, not straight-in, because the narrow 36-foot-wide paved runway lacks standard official markings required for straight-in minimums.
• The article uses this complex approach design to illustrate how various factors, including terrain, obstacles, airspace considerations, and runway markings, dictate the specifics of instrument procedures.

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