High-Risk RNAV Procedure Grounded Amid Safety Concerns
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has suspended the RNAV (GPS) Z approach to Runway 32 at Steamboat Springs Airport in Colorado after a fatal crash of an Epic E1000 during an overnight arrival. The agency issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) declaring the procedure ‘NA’ for ’not available’ until at least October 1, 2026. The move comes as pilots and analysts scrutinize the procedure, which has been called ’the most dangerous in America.’ The FAA’s decision was reported by AeroTime.