Pilot Guide Decodes RKSM Airport Charts for South Korea Landings

Published: 01/19/2026
Flight Procedure Chart Airport Navigation Aviation Safety
This paper provides an in-depth interpretation of the AD CHART 2-1 flight procedure chart for RKSM airport in South Korea. It analyzes key elements including airport layout, navigation facilities, altitude information, and frequency information. The study emphasizes the importance of pilots' proficiency in interpreting these charts to enhance flight safety awareness. Understanding these charts is crucial for safe and efficient airport navigation, contributing to overall aviation safety by providing pilots with essential information for approach and departure procedures.
Pilot Guide Decodes RKSM Airport Charts for South Korea Landings

Imagine being a pilot preparing to land at RKSM Airport in South Korea. Before you lies not just a runway, but a densely packed diagram where every symbol and number could mean the difference between safety and catastrophe. This is the Aeronautical Chart (AD CHART), a critical document we'll examine through RKSM's AD CHART 2-1.

RKSM Airport Overview: Key Elements of AD CHART 2-1

RKSM AD CHART 2-1 represents an airport diagram for a facility near Seoul, South Korea. Published on September 27, 2018, as part of AIP AMDT 10/18, this chart provides pilots with updated information about runway configurations, taxiways, aprons, and navigation aids essential for safe operations.

Chart Breakdown: From Structure to Details

The chart's header clearly identifies it as "RKSM AD CHART 2-1." Below this, alphanumeric codes like "P PP PP P281 01 02 19 20 190 º010 O9000 X 150 9700 X 150" serve as references to critical data points when cross-referenced with the legend. These typically indicate runway dimensions, slopes, and performance calculations.

The central portion displays the airport's physical layout. Runways show identification numbers with accompanying technical specifications including:

  • Takeoff Run Available (TORA)
  • Accelerate-Stop Distance Available (ASDA)
  • Landing Distance Available (LDA)

Taxiways, marked with alphabetical designations like "TWY G" or "TWY C," form the network connecting runways to apron areas such as "RAMP 8" and "RAMP 7" where aircraft park and undergo servicing.

Navigation Systems: The Pilot's Electronic Eyes

The chart documents several critical navigation aids:

  • VOR/DME: Provides radial and distance information
  • TACAN: Military-grade navigation equipment
  • ILS Components: Including Localizer antennas ("ANT LOC"), Glide Path antennas ("ANT GP"), and Remote Status Units ("RSU") that enable precision approaches

Operational Safety Features

Additional critical elements include:

  • Arresting cables: Emergency stopping systems for aircraft
  • Jet blast deflectors: Protective barriers against engine exhaust
  • Elevation data: Including the airport's 28-meter reference elevation
  • Communication frequencies: Such as Tower ("TWR 234.5") and Ground Control ("GND 275.8") channels
  • Magnetic variation: Noted as 8° West with an annual 4-minute westward change

Effective Chart Utilization

Pilots must adhere to these practices when using AD CHARTS:

  1. Verify chart currency against the latest AIP amendments
  2. Thoroughly review legend explanations
  3. Cross-reference with weather reports and flight plans
  4. Maintain situational awareness for dynamic conditions

Mastering AD CHART interpretation forms the foundation for safe flight operations. These documents transform complex spatial and technical data into actionable intelligence, enabling pilots to navigate South Korea's airspace with precision and confidence.

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