After I flew the RNAV RWY 17 approach at Olympia (KOLM), ATC cleared me via radar vectors back to Boeing Field (KBFI). I had requested the new RNAV Y RWY 14R approach, which became operational in August 2023.

As you’ll see, this approach has several interesting features. A series of short track-to-fix legs defines an arc-like path though Elliott Bay. These TF legs were used instead of RF legs to ensure that all RNAV-equipped aircraft can fly the procedure—not just aircraft equipped with newer avionics, like the Garmin GTN series, that support RNP-1 RF paths. This approach also includes a 15-degree course change at the FAF. Finally, the controller directed me to cross LEMNN, the last fix before the FAF, at 2000 ft., not the charted 2200 ft., again to ensure vertical separation.

You’ll notice that after clearing me for the approach, ATC asked me to keep my speed up so that I could meet separation requirements as a heavy airliner descended into nearby Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. That’s a common request in the Seattle area. But it changes the normal setup for an approach, so I took extra care to confirm landing gear down and to plan a smooth deceleration as I lined up on short final.