Explorer Flight Missions: Landing Challenge, Part 2
Following 2024 Explorer Missions: Landing Challenge - Part 1, this month we wanted to bring you the second iteration of this wildly popular series.
You can fly these flights on your own or get a group going - it’s up to you. Make sure you choose an appropriate aircraft and conduct proper flight planning. Let the adventure begin!
To get the Explorer server role (access to Explorers DISCORD channel) and 500 TPC Points for each flight:
Fly to or from any of the airports on this list.
Leave a comment on this post with the ICAO code of the airport you flew into. Feel free to share more details about your flight, if you’d like.
Post pics from your flight in screenshots channel on DISCORD.
[OPTIONAL] If you post a video of the landing in streams and videos channel of TPC Discord, you will get an extra 500 TPC points!
1. Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (KASE) – Aspen, Colorado
Why it’s challenging: High elevation (7,820 ft), steep surrounding terrain, unpredictable mountain winds, and only one runway with limited missed-approach options.
Extra note: The approach procedures have steep descent gradients and require high performance aircraft handling.
2. Telluride Regional Airport (KTEX) – Telluride, Colorado
Why it’s challenging: At 9,070 ft, it’s the highest commercial airport in the U.S. Surrounded by mountains with unpredictable downdrafts, the runway ends in steep drop-offs on both sides.
Extra note: Approaches are visual-heavy and there’s no instrument landing system.
3. Juneau International Airport (PAJN) – Juneau, Alaska
Why it’s challenging: Ringed by steep mountains and glaciers, limited visibility, frequent low ceilings and crosswinds from Gastineau Channel.
Extra note: The localizer/DME approach to Runway 8 is legendary among Alaska pilots.
4. Key West International Airport (KEYW) – Key West, Florida
Why it’s challenging: Short runway (5,076 ft), ocean on both ends, strong crosswinds from surrounding water.
Extra note: Visual illusions over water can make approaches tricky, especially at night.
5. San Diego International Airport (KSAN) – San Diego, California
Why it’s challenging: One short runway with high traffic density, steep descent over downtown buildings, and very little room for error on go-arounds.
Extra note: Known for its challenging “downtown approach” with close-in turns and noise abatement procedures.
