Tale of Two Approaches

Most approaches of the same type, particularly RNAV (GPS) approaches, seem essentially the same. The fixes and the minimums are different, but just about everything else is similar enough to other approaches to give a proficient pilot a been there, done that feeling. This thinking can lead us to simply check that the weather is good enough before departure, rather than actually studying the entire procedure before launching.

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, February 02, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The RNAV Y and Z approaches to Inyokern (KIYK) Runway 02 demonstrate that seemingly similar procedures can have critical differences, such as the Z approach having lower minimums but being subject to restricted airspace activity, while the Y approach has higher minimums due to its Missed Approach Point (MAP) being repositioned to avoid those restrictions.
The "Fly visual to airport" annotation on the Y approach permits pilots to continue beyond the MAP without the runway in sight, relying on visual ground contact; however, initiating a missed approach after passing the MAP in such conditions may not guarantee obstacle clearance and requires an pre-planned "extraction" strategy.
Further unique operational challenges at Inyokern include extensive circling restrictions (especially at night) and the lack of an automated weather reporting facility, which complicates accurate weather assessment for pilots.

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Most approaches of the same type, particularly RNAV (GPS) approaches, seem essentially the same. The fixes and the minimums are different, but just about everything else is similar enough to other approaches to give a proficient pilot a “been there, done that” feeling. This thinking can lead us to simply check that the weather is good enough before departure, rather than actually studying the entire procedure before launching.

Examining expected approaches and armchair flying them can often identify some unique challenges. The alternative is discovering the unique challenges while trying to fly the procedure. A great example of some unique procedural challenges can be found on the RNAV (GPS) Y and RNAV (GPS) Z approaches to Runway 02 at Inyokern, California (KIYK).