Modifications to the Instrument Approach into Renton Airport.

The instrument approach into Renton Airport is known to the aviation community as “RNAV (GPS) RWY 15”.  Any instrument approach is designed to guide the pilot to the runway when clouds or rain make it difficult or impossible to see the runway.  All approach procedures have “ minimums” or minimum altitude and visibilities, below which the pilot cannot go without being in a position to land.

 

 From a pilot’s perspective, lower minimums are better and indicate higher degree of precision and safety. ( see Approach in “Paholkepedia”).  Non-Precision approaches, like Renton’s, have higher minimums than Precision Approaches.  If the weather is questionable, as it often is during the winter,  the safest bet for a pilot is to choose Boeing Field.  The lower “minimums” improve the odds of arriving at the planned destination at the planned time.  At this level, you have to keep the Boss happy!

 

Don’t Wait to Begin!

We see all proposed improvements to the approach as a win-win situation for homeowners and the aviation community.  We believe all three options should be pursued and implemented as quickly as possible.  The decision of whether or not to build a Corporate Aviation Center is irrelevant  here as some improvements can be made immediately.  The City, Airport, and aviation community should consider these options as a pro-active way to improve neighborhood relations.

“Fly With The Best”

The current instrument approaches into Renton Airport bring airplanes in over Mercer Island.   Improvements to the existing approach will help alleviate noise impact in neighborhoods under the flight path.  As technology emerges,  improvements to the approach, both for homeowners and pilots, promise to become more effective.  The coolest part is that these improvements can be implemented soon,  reducing the EXISTING noise impact on Mercer Island and reducing future impact as well.

 

The links on the left provide Pro-Flight’s analysis and opinions of two modifications and an entirely new approach.  We hope it helps!

The Existing Approach

”RNAV (GPS) RWY 15”

Special thanks to

Howard Wolvington of the Boeing Employees Flying Association for his efforts and leadership regarding the proposed improvements to the approach