gkainz
Final Approach
Not everyone is a Colorado Pilot's member, but this segment of this month's newsletter was definitely important enough to share here:
Airspace
Walt Bell
TIMELY INFORMATION FOR COLORADO PILOTS
The tower controllers at Rocky Mountain Metro want to reach out to all the local pilots about a problem that occurs along the southeast edge of the KBJC airspace. Many pilots are using I-25 as a navigation reference when traveling north or south along the west side of the Class B. Just north of the “mousetrap” the 7000’shelf of the Class B and the southeast edge of the BJC Class D allow only a 2 mile alley for transiting traffic.
The BJC controllers regularly see their Class D airspace being intruded upon by airplanes not being careful about their navigation. The controllers also caution that the final approach fix for the ILS is located right in this area. They are requesting that pilots use care in that area and be certain they are remaining clear of both the Class B and D airspace. Most of the approaching jets are vectored to the fix even in good weather. At times this small area is full of air traffic. They also are concerned that when the stadium TFRs are in effect that that a few pilots are intruding into the Class D airspace
even further to the west (some almost over the airport).
I might suggest that dropping down 500’ to less than 7000’ allows one to fly under the Class B shelf to the east of Class D. You gain an additional 5 miles of elbow room and numerous gravel pits (now lakes) will help with the navigation.
Doing this during ballgames will require a big jog in your course but better that than meeting a grumpy FAA inspector.
Airspace
Walt Bell
TIMELY INFORMATION FOR COLORADO PILOTS
The tower controllers at Rocky Mountain Metro want to reach out to all the local pilots about a problem that occurs along the southeast edge of the KBJC airspace. Many pilots are using I-25 as a navigation reference when traveling north or south along the west side of the Class B. Just north of the “mousetrap” the 7000’shelf of the Class B and the southeast edge of the BJC Class D allow only a 2 mile alley for transiting traffic.
The BJC controllers regularly see their Class D airspace being intruded upon by airplanes not being careful about their navigation. The controllers also caution that the final approach fix for the ILS is located right in this area. They are requesting that pilots use care in that area and be certain they are remaining clear of both the Class B and D airspace. Most of the approaching jets are vectored to the fix even in good weather. At times this small area is full of air traffic. They also are concerned that when the stadium TFRs are in effect that that a few pilots are intruding into the Class D airspace
even further to the west (some almost over the airport).
I might suggest that dropping down 500’ to less than 7000’ allows one to fly under the Class B shelf to the east of Class D. You gain an additional 5 miles of elbow room and numerous gravel pits (now lakes) will help with the navigation.
Doing this during ballgames will require a big jog in your course but better that than meeting a grumpy FAA inspector.