The Unique Approach to Honolulu's LDA RWY 26L (PHNL)

Here's a breakdown of the LDA approach into Runway 26L at the O'ahu gateway airport.

Jason Blair

Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 04:01 PM ET

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PHNL LDA Runway 26L [Reproduced with permission of Jeppesen]

Key Takeaways:

The LDA approach to PHNL Runway 26L is unique due to its 40-degree offset from the runway centerline, necessitated by terrain, and features flashing lights to guide pilots to the correct runway.
It incorporates mandatory crossing altitudes at several fixes, and while a localizer is the primary inbound navigation source, GPS is highly recommended for managing initial approach segments.
Pilots must be aware of specific navigation details, including using the correct IEPC DME source and understanding a potentially counter-intuitive missed approach procedure.
The approach has explicit circling limitations, prohibiting its use for Runway 22R and designated seaplane "Sea Lanes."

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Planning a little flying around Honolulu, Hawai‘i? Following along like the aviation dork I am on an airline flight, as you check out the approach plates the crew might be using; or just looking for a busy approach to test your knowledge? You might run across the LDA approach to Runway 26L at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (PHNL). It’s an approach plate with lots going on—but don’t forget to look ahead if you break out high enough, as you’ll be aimed at the historic grounds of Pearl Harbor, before you follow the flashing lights on in to Runway 26L.

A. LDA: At an Angle