A challenging Alaskan IFR approach

I was flying in the area of Talkeetna the other day and I passed over a cool little strip on the shore of a small body of water called Parker Lake (0AK3). Even in VFR conditions, the field is a challenge to land on, since it’s very short, and it's a one way, in and out field (due to tall trees on the south end). It’s also an unlevel, being higher at the south end than the lake end.

 

I thought it would be a fun challenge to create an RNAV IFR procedure to the field and although I haven’t had the time to make a digital version yet, I can describe it here.

 

The procedure begins as a 6 nm arc (like a DME arc) north of the field, flown at 2000’ (the mileage is based on distance from the field). The final approach course is 128 degrees inbound. Descend from 2000’ down to minimums of 1.5 miles visibility and an MDA of 850’.

 

Perhaps the best way to do this is to set up your number one bearing pointer to GPS while you monitor your main CDI. Nearing the 128 radial, hit the Direct To button and use the main CDI for course guidance.

I’ve done this in both the Bonanza and the Baron (which is extremely difficult) and it makes for a fun challenge.