Airport · KTRI
KTRI Tri-Cities Airport — Instrument Checkride Guide
Published ILS approaches including CAT II, mountain terrain, Class C airspace, and what to expect on an IFR checkride at Tri-Cities Airport (KTRI) in Blountville, TN.
Tri-Cities Airport
Blountville, TN
KTRI Tri-Cities Airport — Instrument Checkride Guide
What kind of airport is KTRI and what is its IFR environment?
Tri-Cities Airport is the commercial service airport for the Tri-Cities area of northeast Tennessee (Bristol, Johnson City, Kingsport), located 12 nm southwest of Bristol at 1,518 ft MSL. The airport operates in Class C airspace with a TRACON providing radar approach and departure services on 125.5 MHz (primary) and 134.425 MHz (secondary). ATIS is on 118.25 MHz; tower operates on 119.5 MHz.
The Appalachian terrain surrounding KTRI is the defining characteristic of this airport's IFR environment. Ridgelines to the northeast, southeast, and west rise hundreds of feet above the airport elevation and impose obstacle departure procedure requirements on IFR departures. Pilots must comply with the published Obstacle Departure Procedure (ODP) unless ATC issues a specific departure clearance that provides terrain clearance.
What instrument approaches are published at KTRI?
KTRI has one of the most capable instrument approach suites of any Class C airport in the Appalachian region, with precision approaches on both ends of the main runway, per SkyVector.
| Procedure | Runway(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ILS or LOC | 05 | Standard CAT I precision approach |
| ILS or LOC | 23 | Standard CAT I |
| ILS (SA CAT I) | 23 | Special authorization required |
| ILS (CAT II) | 23 | CAT II — special aircraft/crew authorization required |
| RNAV (GPS) | 05 | Non-precision RNAV |
| RNAV (GPS) | 09 | Shorter runway approach |
| RNAV (GPS) | 23 | Non-precision RNAV backup to ILS |
| RNAV (GPS) | 27 | Shorter runway approach |
The ILS RWY 23 is the primary instrument approach — it offers CAT I, SA CAT I, and CAT II lines of minima. CAT II operations require specific aircraft certification and crew authorization; most GA checkrides use the standard CAT I procedure. Always verify current minima on official FAA charts.
What is the runway configuration at KTRI?
KTRI has 2 runways with distinctly different lengths.
| Runway | Length (ft) | Width (ft) | Instrument Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/23 | 8,000 | 150 | ILS/LOC both ends; RNAV (GPS) both ends |
| 09/27 | 4,443 | 150 | RNAV (GPS) RWY 09 and RWY 27 |
Runway 05/23 handles commercial air carrier and primary IFR operations. Runway 09/27 supports lighter traffic and crosswind operations. With ILS available on both ends of runway 05/23, wind-dependent runway selection does not compromise precision approach availability — a significant advantage over airports with a single-end ILS.
What weather should instrument pilots expect at KTRI?
The Appalachian topography surrounding KTRI creates unique weather patterns that distinguish this airport from lowland Tennessee airports like KMEM or KBNA. Valley fog forms readily on calm nights after rain, and low stratus layers become trapped between ridgelines, producing conditions where ceilings at KTRI are significantly lower than those reported at nearby higher-terrain stations. Pilots must not rely on surrounding area METARs to infer KTRI conditions during valley fog events.
Icing is a serious hazard from October through April. The elevation of 1,518 ft MSL places the airport closer to the freezing level than most southeast US airports during winter frontal passages. Pilot reports of moderate icing at pattern altitude are not uncommon during winter instrument conditions. The FAA Instrument Flying Handbook categorizes northeast Tennessee as a high-frequency icing region during the cold season.
Mountain wave activity can occur on the downwind side of the Appalachian ridgelines during strong westerly flow. Although less severe than Rocky Mountain wave, it can produce significant turbulence and altitude excursions on approach in gusty wind conditions.
What should you expect on an instrument checkride at KTRI?
KTRI is a demanding checkride airport due to the combination of Class C procedures, mountain terrain departure requirements, and icing awareness. The oral exam discussion will cover obstacle departure procedures — the DPE will expect you to brief the published ODP for KTRI correctly before any departure, and will ask what you do if ATC issues a departure clearance that conflicts with the ODP's initial heading requirement.
On the ILS RWY 23 approach, the examiner will evaluate your intercept technique, glideslope tracking, and DA discipline under 14 CFR 91.175(c). Because ILS procedures on both runway ends are available, the DPE may switch you from the ILS RWY 05 to the ILS RWY 23 via radar vectors, testing your ability to re-brief the approach under task load.
The RNAV (GPS) RWY 09 and RWY 27 approaches test non-precision approach technique on the shorter runway. A DPE may assign a circle-to-land from the RNAV RWY 09 to runway 23 to evaluate circling approach proficiency in terrain-complex airspace. Circling approach maneuvering must remain within the appropriate circling radius for your aircraft category at or above circling MDA.
Class C operations are evaluated throughout — the DPE is watching whether you maintain two-way communication with approach control as required by 14 CFR 91.130 and whether you query approach control for traffic advisories during vectors.
Practice Questions
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You are departing KTRI IFR and ATC issues a heading of 090 immediately after takeoff. The published ODP specifies a climbing left turn to 230 degrees. You cannot comply with both. What do you do, and which takes precedence?
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On the ILS RWY 23 approach, you break out at 400 ft AGL in IMC and see only the approach lighting system. Under 14 CFR 91.175(c), how far below DA may you descend using approach lights alone, and what must you see to land?
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The ILS RWY 23 CAT II approach is charted at KTRI. A GA pilot asks if they can fly it on a checkride. What requirements must the aircraft, avionics, and pilot meet for CAT II operations?
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KTRI Approach assigns you the RNAV (GPS) RWY 09 approach and advises that runway 23 is in use. You are Category A. What circling minima apply, and how do you maneuver from a runway 09 approach to land on runway 23?
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You are 15 minutes inbound to KTRI when the ATIS reports a PIREPs of moderate ice from 5,000 to 8,000 ft MSL along V4. Your aircraft is not certified for known ice. What are your options under 14 CFR Part 91?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What instrument approaches are published at KTRI?
KTRI publishes ILS or LOC approaches to runways 05 and 23. The ILS RWY 23 also has Special Authorization CAT I and CAT II variants. RNAV (GPS) approaches are published for all 4 runway ends: 05, 09, 23, and 27.
Q: What airspace class is Tri-Cities Airport?
KTRI operates in Class C airspace with TRACON services on 125.5 MHz. Entry into Class C requires two-way radio communication with ATC — ATC must acknowledge your call sign under 14 CFR 91.130.
Q: What are the runways at KTRI?
KTRI has 2 runways. Runway 05/23 is 8,000 ft × 150 ft with ILS on both ends. Runway 09/27 is 4,443 ft × 150 ft with RNAV (GPS) approaches.
Q: What is the ATIS frequency at KTRI?
Tri-Cities Airport ATIS broadcasts on 118.25 MHz. Tower is 119.5 MHz. Approach/Departure Control is 125.5 MHz (primary) and 134.425 MHz (secondary).
Q: What weather hazards should instrument pilots expect at KTRI?
KTRI sits in the Appalachian foothills at 1,518 ft MSL. Valley fog can drop ceilings well below lowland reporting stations. Icing is significant from October through April. Mountain wave turbulence can affect approaches in strong westerly flow.
Q: Does KTRI have a CAT II ILS approach?
Yes. The ILS RWY 23 has a published CAT II variant. CAT II operations require specific aircraft certification, avionics, crew training, and airport authorization — most GA checkrides use the standard CAT I procedure.
Q: What terrain considerations apply to IFR approaches at KTRI?
Appalachian ridgelines surround KTRI and drive obstacle departure procedure requirements. MEAs on airways serving KTRI are elevated for terrain clearance. Pilots must comply with the published ODP on departure unless ATC provides a specific terrain-clearing clearance.
Sources
- SkyVector — KTRI Airport Information
- FAA NFDC — KTRI Airport Data
- 14 CFR 91.130 — Operations in Class C Airspace (Cornell LII)
- 14 CFR 91.175 — Takeoff and Landing Under IFR (Cornell LII)
- FAA Instrument Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-15B
- FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook FAA-H-8083-16B
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This article was researched from FAA primary sources (ACS, FAR/AIM, Advisory Circulars, Instrument Flying Handbook), approach procedure data from SkyVector and FAA NFDC, and current 14 CFR Part 91 — drafted by MockDPE Editorial Team. Last updated: May 2026. If you spot an inaccuracy, email corrections@mockdpe.org.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What instrument approaches are published at KTRI?
KTRI publishes ILS or LOC approaches to runways 05 and 23. The ILS RWY 23 also has Special Authorization CAT I and CAT II variants. RNAV (GPS) approaches are published for all 4 runway ends: 05, 09, 23, and 27. Always verify current minima on official FAA charts before flight.
What airspace class is Tri-Cities Airport?
KTRI operates in Class C airspace with a TRACON providing approach and departure services on 125.5 MHz. ATIS is on 118.25 MHz. Entry into Class C airspace requires two-way radio communication with ATC — no explicit clearance is required, but ATC must acknowledge your call sign under 14 CFR 91.130.
What are the runways at KTRI?
KTRI has 2 runways. Runway 05/23 is 8,000 ft × 150 ft — the primary instrument runway with ILS on both ends. Runway 09/27 is 4,443 ft × 150 ft with RNAV (GPS) approaches. Elevation is 1,518 ft MSL in the Appalachian foothills of northeast Tennessee.
What is the ATIS frequency at KTRI?
Tri-Cities Airport ATIS broadcasts on 118.25 MHz. Tower is on 119.5 MHz. Approach and Departure Control operates on 125.5 MHz as the primary frequency and 134.425 MHz as a secondary. Ground control frequency should be verified from current charts or the Chart Supplement.
What weather hazards should instrument pilots expect at KTRI?
KTRI sits in the Appalachian foothills at 1,518 ft MSL, where mountain weather produces icing from October through April. Low stratus layers trapped in valleys reduce ceilings significantly below what surrounding higher-terrain reporting stations indicate. Freezing level can be at or below pattern altitude during winter frontal passages.
Does KTRI have a CAT II ILS approach?
Yes. The ILS RWY 23 at KTRI has a published CAT II variant in addition to the standard CAT I and SA CAT I procedures. CAT II operations require special aircraft certification, avionics, crew training, and airport authorization. Most general aviation checkrides use the standard CAT I ILS RWY 23.
What terrain considerations apply to IFR approaches at KTRI?
KTRI is surrounded by Appalachian terrain that drives obstacle departure procedures and influences approach design. MEAs on airways serving KTRI are elevated due to terrain clearance requirements. Pilots should review the obstacle departure procedure and comply precisely — deviating from the ODP in mountainous terrain can reduce terrain clearance to unsafe margins.
AI-generated study aid — not an official source. This article was written entirely by AI working from FAA primary sources (Instrument Rating ACS, 14 CFR Part 91, Aeronautical Information Manual, Instrument Flying Handbook, and relevant Advisory Circulars), with sources cited inline so you can verify each claim. It has not been reviewed by a CFI, DPE, or other certificated aviation professional. AI can hallucinate, misstate section numbers, and subtly paraphrase regulations in ways that change their meaning. Treat this page as a study starting point only — always confirm any regulatory, procedural, or operational fact against the linked FAA primary document before relying on it for a checkride, a written exam, or a flight. Last updated May 17, 2026. Spotted an error? Email corrections@mockdpe.org.