As night falls over South Korea's eastern coast, an aircraft approaches Yangyang International Airport (RKNY). The pilot's ability to safely land depends on precise knowledge of critical airport data. The approach chart serves as the aviator's essential navigation manual. This article examines RKNY AD CHART 2-1 in detail, providing aviation professionals and enthusiasts with comprehensive insights into Yangyang's approach procedures.
1. The Critical Role of Approach Charts
Approach charts are fundamental navigation tools used during aircraft landing phases. These documents present crucial information in graphical format, including runway layouts, navigation aids, obstacle heights, and minimum descent altitudes. RKNY AD CHART 2-1 contains detailed landing procedure information for Yangyang International Airport.
2. Geographic Location and Basic Information
Yangyang International Airport is situated along South Korea's eastern coastline. The approach chart specifies its geographic coordinates between 38°03'00"N to 38°04'30"N latitude and 128°39'00"E to 128°41'00"E longitude, adjacent to the East Sea.
The airport elevation (ELEV) is 73 meters (240.4 feet), a critical reference for altitude calibration. The chart notes a magnetic variation (VAR) of 9°W (2015 data) with an annual change rate of 4'W west. Pilots must account for this magnetic declination when interpreting compass readings.
3. Runway Specifications
Yangyang features one primary runway designated 15/33. Key specifications include:
- Length: 2,620 meters
- Width: 45 meters
- Surface: Asphalt (ASPHALT)
- Magnetic headings: 149° for Runway 15, 329° for Runway 33
Threshold elevations vary slightly: 69.1 meters for Runway 15 and 70.1 meters for Runway 33. The touchdown zone elevation (TDZ ELEV) is 73.4 meters. Both runway ends include 345-meter stopways with 300-meter widths for emergency deceleration.
The pavement classification number (PCN) is 53/F/A/X/T, indicating the runway's load-bearing capacity for different aircraft types.
4. Navigation Infrastructure
Yangyang's navigation systems include:
- ILS (Instrument Landing System): Runway 15 features a localizer (LOC IYAN, 109.3 MHz) and glide path (GP IYAN, 332.0 MHz, channel 30X) for precision approaches.
- VOR/DME: The YAG beacon (110.6 MHz, channel 43X) provides directional and distance information.
- PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator): Both runway ends have visual slope indicators with 57.7-foot obstacle clearance heights.
5. Lighting Systems
The airport's lighting configuration supports operations in low visibility:
- Runway 15 approach lighting: SSALF (420m) and ALSF-I (900m) systems
- Threshold identification lights
- 900-meter circling guidance lights
- Runway edge and taxiway exit lights
6. Airport Layout and Facilities
The chart details Yangyang's infrastructure:
- Aprons: Civil and Korea Coast Guard designated areas
- Taxiways: A and B routes with marked isolation zones
- Support facilities: Hangars, terminal building, meteorological station, and control tower
7. Operational Considerations
Critical notes for pilots include:
- Designated hotspot (HS) areas requiring heightened awareness
- Communication frequencies: Tower (118.85/123.15/240.4/124.375 MHz), Ground (123.15/240.4 MHz)
- Chart effective date: January 2, 2019 (1600 UTC)
8. Chart Maintenance
The South Korean Office of Civil Aviation issues regular AIRAC AIP AMDT updates. Pilots must verify they are using current charts to ensure navigation accuracy.
9. Conclusion
RKNY AD CHART 2-1 provides the essential framework for safe operations at Yangyang International Airport. Mastery of approach chart interpretation allows pilots to execute precise landings, while aviation enthusiasts gain valuable insight into the technical aspects of flight operations. Strict adherence to published procedures remains paramount for aviation safety.