Ron Rosenfeld wrote:

On Thu, 14 Oct 2004 02:55:38 GMT, zatatime
wrote:

Not only weird, but it does not answer our question. He has described
very well Why the approach was created this way, but in no way
communicates How a non-DME equipped aircraft can descend below 1160'
on a straight in LOC 23 approach. Even if it were possible to descend
at a 3.58 degree slope, nothing on the chart dictates Where or When
the final descent should take place to 900'.

If without DME, you may descend to 900' after passing Belch.

Without the special knowledge gained by the Air Force explanation, how could
you conclude that. The 2.5 DME stepdown states 1160. Descending to 900
after the FAF because I don't have DME would cause me to have a major pucker
factor and is contrary to every FAA-developed IAP.

If that is what the Air Force intends, then the chart should state, "Non DME
equipped aircraft using LOC minimums may descend to 900 after Belch.

Also, this business of Air Force pilots tracking is pure drivel; this
procedure is for civil use.

And, the hold-in-lieu pattern is screwed up. It should state "one minute" in
the profile view for non-DME aircraft. Further, since this is a RADAR
REQUIRED (not radar required or....) radar vectors are the entry method for
such an IAP. A hold-in-lieu would not be published on such an FAA
procedure. Finally, the missed approach going to a radar vector is contrary
to FAA policy.

The procedure is badly mangled and they just don't want to admit it. I
didn't look at the other IAPs, but the gurus at the FAA said they are screwed
up, too.