Spokane Approach Control (GEG) Concurrent Operations to Spokane International Airport (GEG) and Fairchild Air Force Base (SKA)

Background: The purpose of this Notice is to inform pilots landing/departing from either Spokane International Airport (GEG) or Fairchild Air Force Base (SKA) under Instrument Flight Rules concerning the special use of visual separation to maintain efficiency at both airports.

Sequencing aircraft simultaneously to GEG and SKA under Instrument Flight Rules requires lateral and or vertical separation between aircraft while ensuring protected airspace for potential missed approaches. These requirements directly affect the capacity of both airports.

In a north flow, the ILS approach to GEG Runway 3 converges with the departure path of SKA Runway 5. GEG is located 2.9 NM east of SKA. The convergence and divergence of flight paths, and distance between airports has made it possible to utilize visual separation under certain weather conditions to reduce the spacing normally provided to aircraft landing and departing SKA and GEG.

INFORMATION: When weather/operational conditions permit, GEG Tower controllers will provide visual separation during the following operations:

These procedures have proven to provide an equivalent level of safety compared to standard visual separation rules. This special use of visual separation procedures enables both airports to operate at or near capacity during periods of heavy demand.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the manager or designee of the facility listed below during normal business hours.

Spokane Approach Control: 509−363−6900

GEG RWY 3 Arrival Ska RWY 5 Departures

Diagram of the SKA Runway 5 Departures and GEG Runway 3 Arrivals

(ANM-530, 5/8/03)