GPS Approaches

Jim WellsJim Wells
in General Discussion
Last weekend I made a flight from PIE to JWN(Nashville). When about 50nm south of JWN it was ovbious severe weather was going to prevent an approach into JWN. ATC suggested landing @ KSYI which is about 40nm south of JWN. Ceilings were at minimums @ SYI and winds favored RW 36. When I selected the RNAV(GPS 36) on my 430 2 appoaches came up, GPS Y and
GPS Z. I noticed the Y approach is at an angle to RY 36 but a lower MDA than the Z approach. My question is: Are there 2 approaches because of obstacle clearance on the straight in approach in order to lower the MDA? This was my first ecperience with Y and Z GPS approaches to the same RY.
Thanks.

Comments

  • Big DogBig Dog
    A couple of answers. Y is in the non-WAAS format, Z is in the newer format with WAAS info & LPV minima. There is also a significant obstacle (1427 MSL, TDZE is 801 MSL) roughly 2 miles from the threshold near the straight in course that the Y approach appears to be designed to avoid while still flying a non-precision approach.
  • Jim WellsJim Wells
    Big Dog, thank you very much.
Sign In or Register to comment.