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's Runway 26L is uniquely angled (304 degrees) due to terrain, requiring pilots to follow flashing lights to guide them from the localizer course to the runway.
The approach involves mandatory crossing altitudes at various fixes and a potentially confusing missed approach procedure, though GPS significantly aids in managing initial approach segments.
Pilots must ensure they use the correct DME source (IEPC) when on the localizer and be aware of specific circling limitations, which include restrictions for certain land and seaplane water runways.

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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