Expert: Heiko Hanusch - 11/4/2009

Question
Hi,
Please explain clearance slope.  Specifically, when looking at the info for Klkp (Lake Placid) the clearance slope for RW 32.  I fly a VLJ and am not sure I can make execute a visual approach for RW 32.
Thanks,
Ron

Answer
Hi Ron,

Thank you for your question.

Well, you picked a beautiful place to go to...Lake Placid.
When it comes to the slope to fly a stable approach, you need to look at how steep the slope is and adjust your aircraft speed and configuration accordingly. Just because a slope is steep doesn't mean you can't land or execute a visual approach. In case of KLKP, the slope on Rwy 32 is 4:1, between CELVU and FAPIM and about 9:1 for the remaining 3.1 miles with a displaced Threshold of 1250 ft.. you get this number by looking at each segment of the approach... in this case between CELVU and FAPIM, take the distance to loose ~ 1600ft and divide it by the distance of 4 miles. The result is that you have to loose about 400 ft every mile, or a 4:1 slope and repeat the same for the final segment. Since the minima are so high the chart will only provide "Circling Minimums" since if you were to fly this to absolute minimums, due to WX, you most likely won't make this in a stabilized fashion. However, a visual approach is a different animal (especially Part 91). You will still have to comply with any crossing restriction (FAPIM) and you will have to have different descent rates throughout the approach but with planning and knowing exactly what to do when it is a challenging and fun exercise. Now if your aircraft speed is 120 kts you cover about 2 miles every minute, which means in order to maintain the appropriate glidepath you'll need to keep your descent rate at 800 ft/min + (between CELVU and FAPIM) and then about 1700 - 1800 fpm for the remaining 3.1 miles. In a VLJ, your approach speed is most likely lower and make sure to make full use of the slowest possible speed especially on this approach.  I would recommend full flaps and established at your approach speed and preferably at the altitude corresponding to CELVU or HEDUX by the time you are on downwind just to be sure to make the approach smooth for everyone involved. Once you get more comfortable with the aircraft you can probably try some other techniques. Also, keep the Autopilot engaged so you can fully concentrate on managing the descent rates with minimum workload on your part and maximum safety.
Having said all this, it is not impossible to fly a visual approach into steep gradient airports... you just need to be prepared.
and one more thing... don't forget to check your landing distance, especially in KLKP and RWY 32 with the displaced Threshold.

Good Luck and enjoy your VLJ,

H2