Kars Harakani Airport
Kars Harakani Airport (IATA: KSY, ICAO: LTCF) is a regional airport serving the city of Kars in north-eastern Türkiye. It lies 6 km south of Kars and only about 20 NM west of the Turkish border (Armenia), which every approach chart highlights as a caution. The airport is a permanent border gate (AD 2.23).
Kars is one of the highest airports in Türkiye: the aerodrome elevation is 5,889 ft and the transition altitude is 12,000 ft. The reference temperature is 35 °C and the mean low temperature is −28 °C, so expect hot-and-high performance limits in summer and snow, ice and de-icing in winter. Terrain around the field rises above 9,000–10,000 ft (a 10,489 ft peak is charted north of the airport), and the 25 NM MSA is 11,000–12,000 ft.
The airport has two parallel runways, 06R/24L and 06L/24R (both 3,500 m × 45 m). RWY 06R/24L is the operational runway; RWY 06L/24R was built as a runway but is used as a taxiway by civil aircraft and is used as a runway only in emergencies or when 06R/24L is closed for maintenance or construction. There is one apron with five stands in front of the terminal, on the north side of the field. Airport operating hours are published by NOTAM, and ATS is provided during aerodrome working hours only.
Scenery
Payware
No payware scenery for LTCF was found at the time of writing.
Freeware
There are freeware options as well, but quality may vary significantly.
| Simulator | Developer | Publisher | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Flight Simulator | Community | FlightSim.to | FlightSim.to |
Preferential Runway System (PRS)
The AIP does not publish a Preferential Runway System for LTCF. The runway in use is selected by Kars Tower according to the surface wind, traffic and the available procedures, and is announced on the ATIS.
Things to keep in mind when the runway is chosen:
- RWY 06R/24L is the normal runway. RWY 06L/24R is used as a runway only when 06R/24L is closed (emergency, maintenance or construction – AD 2.12, AD 2.20).
- The only precision approach is the ILS Z CAT I RWY 06R (IKAR 108.3). RWY 24L/24R have RNP approaches only, and RWY 06L has only a VOR approach.
- RNAV (GNSS) STARs/SIDs exist for RWY 06R and RWY 24L (STARs also for 24R). Conventional (KAR VOR/DME-based) STARs exist for RWY 06R, 06L and 24L, and conventional SIDs for RWY 06L/R and 24L/R.
- The current ADC (AIRAC AMDT 03/26) depicts RWY 06R/24L and parts of the connecting taxiways (A, B, C, D, E) as "UNDER CONSTRUCTION". While 06R/24L is closed, RWY 06L/24R is used as the runway (AD 2.20), and only the procedures published for 06L / 24R (STAR-4, IAC-5, IAC-7, the conventional SIDs and the RNAV STAR-5) remain usable. Always check the ATIS/NOTAM.
Arrival Procedures
Kars Harakani is located inside the Kars TMA; the Kars CTR is a 5 NM radius circle (centred 403330N 0430555E) from the surface to 7,000 ft AMSL. Approach service is provided by Kars Approach, or by Kars Tower when required or when transferred by Kars Approach (AD 2.17). The RNAV (GNSS) STARs require RNP 1 (chart remark: "RNP1 required, otherwise advice ATC"); conventional STARs based on KAR VOR/DME are published as well.
- Transition altitude is 12,000 ft. Note that several STAR, holding and approach altitudes (11,000–16,000 ft) are close to or above the TA, so listen carefully for "altitude" vs "flight level" clearances.
- RNAV STAR descent is "as cleared": there are no "descend via" levels, only the charted minimum altitudes at the fixes.
- Holding pattern maximum speed on the conventional STARs and approaches is IAS 230 KT. Racetrack and procedure turns on the conventional approaches are flown at max IAS 185 KT.
- Aerodrome warnings are issued by the Kars MET office; in winter expect runway condition reports – braking action is assessed with a runway friction tester (AD 2.7).
Runways and ILS
| Runway | ILS (LLZ) | Frequency / DME | Category | GP / RDH | THR elevation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06R | IKAR | 108.30 MHz / CH20X (GP 334.10 MHz) | CAT I | 3.0° / 55 ft | 5,873 ft | Simple approach barrette system (450 m). PAPI 3° (left), MEHT 47 ft. |
| 24L | – | – | – | – | 5,870 ft | RNP approach only. Precision APP barrette system CAT I (900 m). PAPI 3° (left), MEHT 47 ft. |
| 06L | – | – | – | – | 5,874 ft | Runway normally used as taxiway. VOR Y approach only. Simple APP barrette system (450 m). PAPI 3°, MEHT 53 ft. |
| 24R | – | – | – | – | 5,872 ft | Runway normally used as taxiway. RNP approach only. Precision APP barrette system CAT I (900 m). PAPI 3°, MEHT 53 ft. |
Other navaids: KAR VOR/DME 113.8 MHz (CH85X) and KAR NDB 431 kHz, co-located on the airport (coverage 75 NM). KAR VOR/DME is unusable between R360–R070 beyond 30 NM and between R071–R135 beyond 20 NM; KAR NDB is unusable between 071°–135° beyond 20 NM. There is no LDI; the two anemometers are 320 m inside the 06R and 24L thresholds.
STARs
STARs start at EKPOS (from the north, T/UT165), EDASU (from the south-west, T/UT165), NIVLA (from the south-west, T/UT309), LUMEX, RAHMA and REBLO. Your flight-planned route should end at the STAR entry point.
| Active Runway Configuration | Type | Designator | Ends at | Entry points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RWY 06R | RNAV (GNSS), STAR-3 | 1A | ASVEL (FAP) 9,500 ft | LUMEX, RAHMA |
| Conventional, STAR-1 | 1D | KAR VOR/NDB | EKPOS, NIVLA, EDASU | |
| RWY 24L/R | RNAV (GNSS), STAR-5 | 1K | SENHO (FAF) 9,100 ft | LUMEX, RAHMA, REBLO |
| Conventional, STAR-2 (RWY 24L) | 1E | KAR VOR/NDB | EKPOS, NIVLA, EDASU | |
| RWY 06L | Conventional, STAR-4 | 1G | KAR VOR/NDB | EKPOS, NIVLA, EDASU |
RWY 06R
RNAV STARs (STAR-3):
- LUMEX 1A: LUMEX (IAF) at or above 16,000 ft – GALBE at or above 13,950 ft – OGTAV (IF) 10,800 ft – ASVEL (FAP) 9,500 ft.
- RAHMA 1A: RAHMA (IAF) at or above 15,000 ft – OGTAV (IF) 10,800 ft – ASVEL (FAP) 9,500 ft.
From ASVEL, continue with the ILS Z or RNP approach to RWY 06R (IAC-3 / IAC-4). Holdings are charted at LUMEX (16,000 ft) and RAHMA (15,000 ft).
Conventional STARs (STAR-1): EKPOS 1D (track 232°), NIVLA 1D (063°) and EDASU 1D (096°) to KAR VOR/NDB at 11,000 ft, then hold at KAR (inbound 187°, 11,000 ft) and fly the conventional approach.
RWY 24L/R
RNAV STARs (STAR-5):
- LUMEX 1K: LUMEX – CF730 – CF710 (at or above 11,500 ft) – BEXAF (IF) 10,000 ft – SENHO (FAF) 9,100 ft, max 180 KT, heading 240°.
- RAHMA 1K: RAHMA – CF740 – CF720 (at or above 11,500 ft) – BEXAF (IF) 10,000 ft – SENHO (FAF) 9,100 ft, max 180 KT, heading 240°.
- REBLO 1K: REBLO – BEXAF (IF) 10,000 ft – SENHO (FAF) 9,100 ft, max 180 KT, heading 240°.
ATC will clear you to fly the final approach as published on IAC-6 at or before SENHO. (The RNP RWY 24R, IAC-7, uses the same SENHO FAF.)
Conventional STARs (STAR-2, RWY 24L): EKPOS 1E, NIVLA 1E and EDASU 1E to KAR VOR/NDB at 12,000 ft, then hold at KAR (inbound 060°, 12,000 ft).
RWY 06L
Conventional STARs (STAR-4): EKPOS 1G, NIVLA 1G and EDASU 1G to KAR VOR/NDB at 11,000 ft, then hold at KAR (inbound 249°, 12,000 ft) and fly the VOR Y RWY 06L (IAC-5).
Instrument Approaches
| Runway | Approach | Chart | Initial approach | Final approach | Minima (OCA/H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06R | ILS Z CAT I / LOC Z | IAC-3 | KAR 12,000 ft, racetrack outbound 240° to 12.9 DME KAR (max IAS 185 KT); or ASVEL from the RNAV STAR | FAP ASVEL 9,500 ft (11.5 DME KAR / 11.3 DME IKAR), GP 3°, RDH 55 ft | CAT I 6,100 ft (227); LOC 6,400 ft (527); circling 8,500 ft (2,611) |
| RNP (LNAV) | IAC-4 | ASVEL from the RNAV STAR | FAF ASVEL 9,500 ft – UNLUK at or above 7,060 ft – MA06R (MAPt, fly-over); 3.02° / 5.28% | LNAV 6,500 ft (627) with missed approach gradient 5.4%; circling 8,500 ft (2,611) | |
| VOR Z | IAC-2 | KAR 12,000 ft, racetrack outbound 240° to 13.9 DME (11,000 ft, max IAS 185 KT) | Inbound 060°: 8.9 DME 9,250 ft, 3.9 DME 7,500 ft, MAPt 0.9 DME | 6,500 ft (627); circling 8,500 ft (2,611) | |
| 24L | RNP (LNAV) | IAC-6 | SENHO from the RNAV STAR | FAF SENHO 9,100 ft, max 180 KT – CF550 at or above 7,670 ft – CF560 at or above 6,870 ft – RW24L (MAPt); 3.0° / 5.24% | LNAV 6,580 ft (710) |
| 24R | RNP (LNAV) | IAC-7 | SENHO from the RNAV STAR | FAF SENHO 9,100 ft, max 180 KT – CF551 at or above 7,670 ft – CF561 at or above 6,870 ft – RW24R (MAPt); 3.0° / 5.24% | LNAV 6,580 ft (708) |
| 06L | VOR Y | IAC-5 | KAR 12,000 ft, outbound R-249 to D14 KAR (IF, 10,000 ft), procedure turn (max IAS 185 KT) | FAF 8.9 DME 9,100 ft, 3.9 DME 7,200 ft, MAPt 1.1 DME | 6,500 ft (626); circling 8,500 ft (2,611) |
| Circling only | VOR A, NDB A | IAC-1 | KAR 11,000 ft (hold 11,000 ft – FL130), outbound 224° (CAT A/B) or 212° (CAT C/D) for 2 min, turn inbound 060° | Descend to 9,500 ft; MAPt at KAR. Straight-in not authorised | Circling 8,500 ft (2,611) |
Requirements printed on the charts: DME required (IAC-2, 3, 5), VOR required (IAC-3), VOR/DME and GNSS required (IAC-4), RNP APCH and GNSS required (IAC-6, 7). Timing is not authorised for defining the MAPt on the RNP approaches.
Minimum Sector Altitude (25 NM, KAR VOR/DME; sectors as bearings TO KAR): 360°–090°: 12,000 ft; 090°–180°: 12,000 ft; 180°–270°: 12,000 ft; 270°–360°: 11,000 ft.
Holdings
| Fix | Used for | Inbound track | Altitude | Max IAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KAR VOR/NDB | STAR-1 (1D); VOR A / NDB A; missed approach VOR A / NDB A | 187° | 11,000 ft (IAC-1: 11,000 ft – FL130) | 230 KT |
| KAR VOR/DME | STAR-2 (1E); ILS Z, VOR Z and RNP RWY 06R (initial approach and missed approach) | 060° | 12,000 ft | 230 KT |
| KAR VOR/DME | STAR-4 (1G); VOR Y RWY 06L (initial approach and missed approach) | 249° | 12,000 ft | 230 KT |
| LUMEX (IAF) | RNAV STAR LUMEX 1A | 096° / 276° (charted) | 16,000 ft | – |
| RAHMA (IAF) | RNAV STAR RAHMA 1A | 062° / 242° (charted) | 15,000 ft | – |
| GEHRE | Missed approach RNP RWY 24L / 24R | 078° / 258° (charted) | 11,500 ft | – |
Missed Approach
| Approach | Missed approach procedure |
|---|---|
| ILS Z / LOC Z RWY 06R | Climb to 8,500 ft on R-059 within 17 DME from the VOR, then turn left climbing to 12,000 ft, proceed to KAR VOR and hold. |
| RNP RWY 06R | Climb to 10,000 ft on R-059 (KAR VOR) until 11 DME, then turn left climbing to 12,000 ft, proceed to KAR VOR and hold (missed approach gradient 5.4% for the published LNAV minima). |
| VOR Z RWY 06R / VOR Y RWY 06L | Climb to 10,000 ft on R-059 until 11 DME, then turn left climbing to 12,000 ft, proceed to the VOR and hold. |
| VOR A / NDB A | Climb and reach 10,000 ft within 11 NM from the VOR/NDB on track 059°, then turn left climbing to 11,000 ft, proceed to KAR VOR/NDB and hold. |
| RNP RWY 24L / 24R | Climb to 11,500 ft: from RW24L/RW24R to CF510 (max 185 KT), turn right to CF520, turn left to GEHRE at or above 11,500 ft and hold. |
Radio Failure
The procedures in Türkiye AIP ENR 1.3-4.5 apply, with the following local procedures (AD 2.22):
- IFR flights unable to fly the RNAV procedures: proceed to KAR VOR/NDB via the STAR-1 procedure; when required to comply with ENR 1.3-4.5.3.1 f, hold over KAR until commencement of descent, then fly an instrument approach procedure and land.
- RNAV arrivals to RWY 06R (STAR-3): proceed to LUMEX or RAHMA according to the STAR being flown; when required, hold over these fixes until commencement of descent, then fly the RNP approach and land.
- RNAV arrivals to RWY 24L (STAR-5):
- At or after the FAF (SENHO): continue the approach, fly the RNP procedure and land.
- Before SENHO, at or above 12,000 ft: squawk 7600, follow the flight plan route at the last assigned and acknowledged level; after passing BEXAF proceed direct to KAR VOR or NDB descending to/maintaining 12,000 ft. Leave 12,000 ft at KAR, fly an instrument approach procedure and land.
- Before SENHO, below 12,000 ft: follow the RNAV (GNSS) procedure laterally, climb to or maintain 12,000 ft, then proceed direct to KAR VOR or NDB. Leave 12,000 ft at KAR, fly an instrument approach procedure and land.
Ground Operations
Ground Layout
The terminal and the single apron are on the north side of the airfield. From the apron, TWY C1 leads south to RWY 06L/24R, and TWY C continues across to RWY 06R/24L. Further connections between the two runways are TWY A (24L/24R end), TWY B, TWY D and TWY E (06R/06L end). All taxiways are 24 m wide (asphalt).
Because RWY 06L/24R is used as the parallel taxiway, ATC will refer to it as such. Backtracking is not allowed on RWY 06L/24R; backtrack (180°) turns are made only on the turn pads at the runway ends (AD 2.20). Stop bars and runway guard lights are installed at TWYs A, C, C1 and E. All taxiways have edge and centreline lighting.
There is a de-icing and engine test area at each end of the field (next to the 06L and 24R thresholds, see ADC).
Apron, Gates and Stands
The apron (concrete, PCN 110 R/C/W/T, elevation 1,795 m) has five stands, numbered 1–5 from west to east:
| Stand | Largest aircraft (PRKG) |
|---|---|
| 1 | A318/A319 |
| 2 | B737-800 |
| 3 | B737-800 |
| 4 | B737-800 |
| 5 | A310 |
- Push-back service is provided for all stands. Stand numbers and guidelines are painted on the apron; there is no visual docking guidance system.
- The altimeter check point is on the apron (1,795 m).
- There is no cargo handling, hangar space or repair facility for visiting aircraft. Jet A-1 is available by tanker during aerodrome working hours.
De-icing and Winter Operations
De-icing is available during aerodrome working hours (AD 2.3, AD 2.4). Snow removal is done with mechanical equipment and chemical de-icing, with standard clearance priorities (AD 1.2-2), and braking action is measured with a runway friction tester (AD 2.7). The de-icing & engine test areas are at both ends of the field (ADC).
Planning Taxi Time
All departures leave the apron via TWY C1. Departures from RWY 24L/24R taxi east and departures from RWY 06R/06L taxi west along RWY 06L/24R (used as taxiway).
ATIS
Kars Information is broadcast on 129.550 MHz (H24). Always copy the ATIS before calling Ground.
Obtaining Clearance
There is no separate Delivery position in the AIP. Call Kars Ground (121.900) for your ATC clearance. In your initial call, include your callsign, stand, destination and the ATIS letter you have received.
Pushback and Engine Start
Call Ground with your callsign and stand number when you are fully ready. Push-back is provided for all five stands.
Taxi Procedures
Taxi via TWY C1 and RWY 06L/24R (used as taxiway) to the holding point of the runway in use (TWY A for the 24 end, TWY E for the 06 end). Do not make 180° turns on RWY 06L/24R – use the turn pads at the runway ends. Full-length declared distances are 3,500 m (TORA/TODA/ASDA/LDA) for all four runway directions; no intersection distances are published.
Phraseology to be Used for Taxi
Pilot: Kars Ground, THY7CA, stand 3, request taxi.
GND: THY7CA, Kars Ground, taxi to holding point runway 24L via C1, runway 06L/24R and A.
Pilot: Taxi to holding point runway 24L via C1, runway 06L/24R and A, THY7CA.
(approaching the holding point)
GND: THY7CA, contact Kars Tower 122.400.
Pilot: Kars Tower 122.400, THY7CA.
Departure Procedures
RECAT - LTCF
Turkish airspace uses wake turbulence re-categorisation (RECAT-EU). More information on SkyBrary.
| RECAT LTCF | Follower | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Heavy (A) | Upper Heavy (B) | Lower Heavy (C) | Upper Medium (D) | Lower Medium (E) | Light (F) | ||
| Leader | A Super Heavy | 80s | 100s | 120s | 140s | 160s | 180s |
| B Upper Heavy | 80s | 80s | 80s | 100s | 120s | 140s | |
| C Lower Heavy | 80s | 80s | 80s | 80s | 100s | 120s | |
| D Upper Medium | 80s | 80s | 80s | 80s | 80s | 120s | |
| E Lower Medium | 80s | 80s | 80s | 80s | 80s | 100s | |
| F Light | 80s | 80s | 80s | 80s | 80s | 80s | |
Minimum Runway Occupancy Time for Departures
AD 2.20 for LTCF contains no runway occupancy or pilot reaction time rules. Its local regulations are limited to the use of RWY 06L/24R:
- RWY 06L/24R is constructed as a runway but is used as a taxiway (emergency runway).
- RWY 06L/24R is used as a runway if RWY 06R/24L is under construction.
- Backtrack manoeuvres are not allowed on RWY 06L/24R; backtracks are made only from the turn pads at the runway ends.
High Elevation
With an aerodrome elevation of 5,889 ft, high terrain all around and summer temperatures up to the 35 °C reference temperature, check your take-off performance and the SID minimum climb gradients below carefully – they apply up to 11,500 ft or 15,000 ft.
SIDs
RNAV (GNSS) SIDs require RNP 1 (otherwise advise ATC). They end at LUMEX, RAHMA and REBLO, which should be the first point of your flight-planned route.
| Runway | SID | Designator | Route | Minimum climb gradient |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06R (SID-3) | LUMEX | 1L | CF310 on course 060° (max 220 KT), turn left to CF340, turn left to LUMEX | 5% (304 ft/NM) up to 11,500 ft |
| RAHMA | 1L | CF310 on course 060° (max 220 KT), turn right to CF320, turn right to CF330, turn right to RAHMA | 5% (304 ft/NM) up to 11,500 ft | |
| REBLO | 1L | CF310 on course 060° (max 220 KT), turn left to REBLO | 5% (304 ft/NM) up to 11,500 ft | |
| Max 220 KT until CF310 | ||||
| 24L (SID-4) | LUMEX | 1M | CF420 on course 240° (max 220 KT), turn right to CF430, turn right to LUMEX | 4% (243 ft/NM) up to 11,500 ft |
| RAHMA | 1M | CF420 on course 240° (max 220 KT), turn right to CF430, turn left to RAHMA | 4% (243 ft/NM) up to 11,500 ft | |
| Max 220 KT until CF420. No RNAV SID to REBLO from RWY 24L. | ||||
Conventional SIDs (based on KAR VOR/DME) end at EKPOS (joins T/UT165 northbound), NIVLA (joins T/UT309) and EDASU (joins T/UT165 southbound):
- RWY 06L/R – 1A (SID-1): after take-off intercept KAR R-058 and climb until 6 DME, then turn left: EKPOS 1A intercepts R-052 within 8 DME and proceeds to EKPOS; NIVLA 1A flies the 6 DME arc to R-243; EDASU 1A flies the 6 DME arc to R-276. Minimum climb gradient 5.0% (304 ft/NM) until crossing 15,000 ft.
- RWY 24L/R – 1B (SID-2): after take-off intercept KAR R-244 and climb until 6 DME, then: EKPOS 1B turns right, proceeds to the VOR/DME and intercepts R-052 to EKPOS (3.6% / 219 ft/NM until crossing 15,000 ft); NIVLA 1B turns left to intercept R-243 to NIVLA (3.6% until NIVLA); EDASU 1B turns right onto the 6 DME arc to R-276 (3.6% until EDASU).
Noise Abatement Procedures
Aircraft certified to ICAO Annex 16 Vol. I Chapter 3 must apply NADP-2; Chapter 2 aircraft apply NADP-1 only. All other aircraft apply NADP-1 or NADP-2. Noise abatement procedures apply until passing 3,000 ft.
Airborne
Unless instructed otherwise, contact Kars Approach after take-off. The AIP lists the same frequencies for Tower and Approach (AD 2.18: Kars TWR/APP 118.000, 122.400), so you may stay on the same frequency. Comply with all speed restrictions and climb gradients on the SID, and tell ATC if you cannot fly the assigned SID.
TWR: THY7CA, contact Kars Approach 122.400, goodbye.
Pilot: Kars Approach 122.400, THY7CA, goodbye.
Pilot: Kars Approach, THY7CA, LUMEX 1M.
APP: THY7CA, Kars Approach, radar contact, climb FL150.
After Departure
After leaving the Kars TMA you will be handed over to Ankara Control depending on your route. Remember that the airport is only about 20 NM from the Turkish border; follow your clearance closely.
Thank you for flying with TRvACC — hope to see you again in Kars!
Frequencies
| Station | Callsign | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| ATIS | Kars Information | 129.550 (H24) |
| Ground | Kars Ground | 121.900 |
| Tower / Approach | Kars Tower / Kars Approach | 118.000, 122.400 (charts: 122.400) |
Tower, Approach and Ground operate during aerodrome working hours (HO). Emergency 121.500. Approach service is provided by Kars Approach, or by Kars Tower when required or when transferred by Kars Approach.
References
- Türkiye AIP, AD 2 LTCF – Kars/Harakani, text pages AD 2.1–2.24 (AIRAC 2610)
- AD 2 LTCF ADC – Aerodrome Chart (AIRAC AMDT 03/26)
- AD 2 LTCF PRKG – Aircraft Parking/Docking Chart
- AD 2 LTCF SID-1 (conventional RWY 06L/R), SID-2 (conventional RWY 24L/R), SID-3 (RNAV RWY 06R), SID-4 (RNAV RWY 24L)
- AD 2 LTCF STAR-1 (conventional RWY 06R), STAR-2 (conventional RWY 24L), STAR-3 (RNAV RWY 06R), STAR-4 (conventional RWY 06L), STAR-5 (RNAV RWY 24L/R)
- AD 2 LTCF IAC-1 to IAC-7 – Instrument Approach Charts (VOR A/NDB A; VOR Z 06R; ILS Z/LOC Z 06R; RNP 06R; VOR Y 06L; RNP 24L; RNP 24R)
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