Stupid question maybe, but flew into VPS the other day and noticed an ILS Y & ILS Z approach. What is this? Is it a military designation?

may be like GPS overlay stuff where it is designated like VOR's that are not within 30 degrees of runway of intended landing, but i see this being hard to do on an ILS since it brings you down low and its supposed to align you perfectly with the runway

I have no idea how it realtes to the ILS, but the X & Y designations (along with V,W,and Z) were GRI chain designators for Loran. (were you using current charts ).

Checked out the approach plates on http://www.airnav.com

Looks like the ILS Z requires a TACAN (not VOR) receiver and does an arc to the localizer. The "regular" ILS is more of a straight shot from a nearby VOR, intercepting the same localizer. They may need both in case one procedure is blocked by a hot restricted area.

Thanks for the responses-

I have done a little research and found out that letters from the end of the alphabet, when coupled with an approach type, denote that the approach can NOT be used at all times, or some type of restriction. The approaches with letters from the beginning of the alphabet denote an approach that is not a "straight-in". If you look at the VPS charts, you will see in the notes, that the ILS' are not authorized at all times. I'm assuming this is because of the high military activity in and around the airport. The final approach course also goes right through a restricted area.

Just some little tidbits for you! By the way- I thought this chart thing was a one-time purchase, what do you mean updated?!

yea, unless you are an airline guy or corporate guy (in which the company SHOULD pay for the Jepps), just use the FAA charts.. much cheaper, maybe not as much detail, but its much easier to spend the $4.50 than the cost of Jepps, especially if you are just GA

I agree! I've never been a big fan of the FAA charts, however during training, the wallet didn't always allow for the Jepps. Luckily, my Jepps are now paid for.

Fly safe-