DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Aspen Tower
0150 W. Airport Rd.
Aspen, CO 81611
Subject: LOC-DME E vs. SPECIAL LOC-DME Runway 15
Cancellation: 03/15/2026 1200 (UTC)
Recently there has been some confusion between the two localizer approaches available at ASE.
The primary approach advertised at ASE is the PUBLIC LOC-DME E Approach.
However, there is also a SPECIAL LOC-DME RUNWAY 15 Approach that has been added to many Flight Management System (FMS) databases.
Pilots should be aware there are significant differences between these approaches, especially with regards to crossing altitudes. Flying the SPECIAL LOC-DME Runway 15 approach could result in a pilot deviation due to terrain proximity and lack of authorization to fly it.
It is imperative that pilots request the correct approach they are cleared for as the SPECIAL LOC-DME Runway 15 Approach requires a Letter of Authorization from FAA Flight Standards. Pilots are at risk of operating below required approach minimums if inadvertently loading the incorrect approach into the FMS.
The PUBLIC LOC-DME E Approach (Figure A) is displayed below for reference.
Additionally, a typical FMS system database (Figure B) is also displayed for situational awareness.
As you can see in Figure B, the LOC 15 Special Approach is at the top of this FMS system. This is the LOC-DME Runway 15 Special Approach that should ONLY be used with prior FAA Flight Standards Authorization.
The correct PUBLIC approach that is typically advertised and utilized at ASE is the LOC-E and will be the standard approach used unless otherwise requested.
All pilots are responsible for being aware of which Localizer Approach they are cleared for, and responsible for ALL crossing altitudes on their approach.