If you doubt one person can make a difference, doubt no more.
Salem, Oregon pilot Chuck West watched as Salem’s NcNary Field (KSLE) airspace was re-drawn, and re-drawn again. There was a problem. Portions of the instrument approaches were no longer protected and that violated FAA Order 8260.26F.
Chuck found that a pilot flying inbound from MCCOY on the LOC/DME BC RWY 13 at KSLE will descend into Class G – uncontrolled – airspace.
That isn’t allowed according to page 9 of FAA Order 8260.26F:
2-1-3. Service Area Operations Support Group, Flight Procedures Team must:
e. A requirement for minor adjustment to existing controlled airspace to fully encompass an instrument procedure does not necessarily form the basis for withholding procedure publication provided no less than the basic required 700-foot/1,200-foot Class E airspace has been established. An approach procedure may be published prior to obtaining the optimum configuration of controlled airspace when all of the following conditions exist:
- The centerline of all procedure segments and terminal routes are located within existing controlled airspace.
- The procedure turn area, out to and including the specified completion distance, is contained within existing controlled airspace.
- The final approach fix is contained within existing controlled airspace.
After dogged efforts to schedule a meeting with those responsible for the changes to Salem’s airspace, Chuck met with FAA airspace staff on May 10 to outline his concerns.
Eight days later on May 18, Chuck received the following email from Mindy Wright, FAA Manager, South Airspace & Procedures Team, “The FAA has reviewed the Terminal Airspace Data Requirements (TADR) worksheet for SLE LOC/DME BC RWY 13 and found that the information originally provided to the Operations Support Group (OSG), for the design of the airspace, was incorrect. Tracey Johnson, Manager, Western Service Center, OSG has directed the Airspace Specialists to design and implement airspace changes consistent with the new information received from Aeronautical Information Services and the new TADR. It is anticipated this new airspace will be effective November 2016.”
As Chuck relayed the details during a phone call, I applauded his singular focus on righting this wrong. I believed his being local to the approach was key to his time and energy on this.
His voice dropped a bit as he admitted his reason for his efforts.
“Once upon a time, I knew a guy who had a Cessna 182 who was having some control issues that I could have helped with. But, my CFI ticket wasn’t current, so I didn’t step up. That guy ended up killing himself and three passengers.”
He vowed to himself to never again remain silent when he saw safety was at risk.
This isn’t over, but I have every confidence Chuck will see this through to the end. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, the LOC/DME BC RWY 13 is not authorized for use. Oh, and thank you Chuck.
Ben,
Thanks for your help getting the word out about Salem!
It was not an easy process and took loads of effort on my part to get an acknowledgement of an unprotected approach at KSLE.
I do not know if all of the pilots understand the issue at hand.
I’ll attempt to describe the issue with two flights that collide at MCCOY intersection at or about 2200 feet MSL.
It begins with the first flight leaving 7S5 for Twin Oaks for the pancake breakfast on a first Saturday of the month. Ideal day for flying with unlimited viisbilty, overcast at 2300 feet and the winds are out of the south at 15 knots. The intended route of flight will be to depart 16 and make a left hand downwind departure climbing to 2200 ft with unlimited vis. After staying clear to west of the newly expanded airspace at KSLE the aircraft turns for a direct course to the pancake feed.
The second flight has left Washington D.C. earlier in the morning headed for Salem Oregn. On this flight are state officials that have gone to ask for federal funds for some new state program. This aircraft is a new and expensive jet with a highly experienced crew it intercepts the back course at 7:10 am descends to 2200 feet inbound and does not make its destination.
All are lost and who is at fault? The answer is yet to be determined until a NTSB investigation. The jet following the published procedure MCCOY to ARTTY at 2200 feet and the RV-7 with my close friend onboard is in class G airspace clear of clouds and unlimited visibility.
That story could have been true and hopefully it will not come to be.
Most likely will not happen since the back course is no longer in service due to my efforts. The following was received in a email from Salem tower manager to me May 24, 2015.
RY 13 LOC/BC will be unavailable until January 02, 2017. Per (FDC NOTAM 6/8336 , LOC DME BC RWY 13, AMT 8A PROCEDURE NA). 1605232157-170102215EST.