Definition
The title of a specific published instrument approach procedure that uses Area Navigation based on GPS to guide an aircraft to Runway 15R. The letter 'Y' is an alphabetical suffix used to distinguish this chart from other RNAV (GPS) approaches to the same runway (such as a 'Z' version), which typically differ in their initial segments, transitions, or supported approach minima.
Plain English
This is the name of one particular GPS-based approach chart for Runway 15R. The letter 'Y' is just a label so pilots and controllers can tell it apart from another GPS approach to the same runway, like a 'Z' version. Each version has slightly different ways of getting started or different minimum altitudes you can descend to.
Context Anchor
Seen at the top of an instrument approach chart and when selecting or briefing the approach before flying it.
Derivation
The suffix letters Y and Z (working backward from the end of the alphabet) are assigned by the FAA when two or more approaches of the same type serve the same runway. Working backward avoids confusion with the older practice of using A, B, C for circling-only approaches.
Why Pilots Care
Selecting the exact approach name ensures the correct waypoints, altitudes, and minimums are loaded into the flight management system.
Intuition Check
Do not read Y as meaning “why,” “second best,” or a runway name. In this title, Y only identifies one published version of the approach to runway 15R.
Example Sentence 1
Tower cleared us for the RNAV (GPS) Y RWY 15R approach, so I loaded the Yankee version in the FMS and confirmed the minimums on that specific chart.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot pulled up the RNAV (GPS) Y RWY 15R plate to verify the missed approach procedure.