Introducing the first-ever instrument approach to Runway 1 at Teterboro.
The Teterboro Airport Users Group made this announcement in February:
“Teterboro Airport (KTEB) will introduce a new instrument approach procedure, RNAV (GPS) Rwy 1, beginning Feb. 19 at 0701Z. While offering the advantage of lateral and vertical guidance to the runway, the new IAP notably introduces a Visual Guidance Fix (VGF) and visual segment concept at TEB.”
This approach is designed to replace the Localizer Runway 6 with circling to Runway 1. I have conducted this circling approach numerous times during the past decade. A straight-in approach to Runway 1 is prohibited due to traffic flow at Newark Airport. This new approach with lateral and vertical guidance is an attempt to simplify the circling approach. Some sources state that circling approach procedures are 25 times more dangerous than straight-in approaches. U.S. Airlines totally prohibit circling approaches in instrument conditions.
This is not a new concept, as there are similar approaches in place at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, RNAV (GPS) Rwy 33, John F. Kennedy International Airport, RNAV (GPS) Z Rwy 13L and 13R, and LaGuardia Airport, RNAV (GPS) X Rwy 31.
This new approach introduces a new term: a Visual Guidance Fix (VGF), as well as the extended visual segment concept. The TEB Airport Users Group is encouraging pilots to become familiar with VGF and an Extended Visual Segment by reviewing FAA InFO 24005, Instrument Approach Operations with a Visual Guidance Fix (VGF) and an Extended Visual Segment.
The Localizer 6 Approach with circling to Runway 1 previously had you fly over VINGS Intermediate Fix (IF) at the mandatory altitude of 2,000 ft. You would start the circle at the final approach fix, TORBY, which also had a mandatory altitude of 1,300 ft. Most operators successfully conducted this approach; however, in May 2017, a Learjet 35A crashed while conducting this approach. Many things went horribly wrong, including not starting the circle at TORBY, the Final Approach Fix. The NTSB did a YouTube video segment on this accident that you may view. The cause of the accident was ruled a stall/in-flight loss of control.
When in use, the approach will be announced on the ATIS frequency. Although it is a great idea to familiarize yourself with this approach and the FAA InFO, there is no specialized training, letters of authorization, or operation specifications required to fly this new approach. This is not an RNP AR Approach that does have specific training and requirements to fly it. (See T&T, July 2023, RNP AR Approaches).
The new RNAV (GPS) Rwy 1 Approach will start maneuvering to Runway 1 earlier than the previous circling approach. An initial turn of 19 degrees to the right now starts DANDY Intersection, which is 2.1 NM before the former turn would start at the FAF at TORBY. The approach also provides advisory lateral and vertical guidance to the landing runway.
The approach still has a mandatory crossing altitude of 2000 feet at VINGS, followed by a minimum altitude of 1700 feet at LEESY, and another mandatory altitude of 1300 feet at DANDY. After the 19-degree right turn at DANDY, the course continues 3 NMs to the FAF of MULNN, with another very slight right turn. A 3.1-degree glide path starts here at the FAF. The descent profile has a minimum altitude of 960 feet at URRBN and an MDA altitude of 760 feet at SAQON, which is right over MetLife Stadium. SAQON is also labeled as the Visual Guidance Fix (VGF). This is where you must have the runway environment in sight to descend below this altitude or follow the advisory glide path. The extended visual segment of the approach also starts here at SAQON and is identified by the dashed line in the profile view of the approach. At HOLSY, with about a mile to go, you will make a 60-degree left turn to line up with Runway 1 for a landing.
This new approach should enhance safety over the previous circling approach to Runway 1. Starting the maneuvering to circle earlier and providing a lateral and vertical glide path all the way to Runway 1 is a great enhancement. Please look at the approach chart and the short FAA InFO before you fly this new procedure.
