Olympia, WA, U.S.A (Capitol/Coastal Gateway)

The Flight Experience

Olympia offers a scenic and procedurally challenging flight experience, defined by its blend of lush Pacific Northwest geography and imposing state government architecture. The city sits precisely at the southern tip of Puget Sound (Budd Inlet), where the flat coastal area meets rolling, dense evergreen hills. The flying environment is heavily influenced by the marine climate. The scenery, benefiting from general enhancements in World Update X (USA), clearly captures the unique layout of the capital complex and the intricate water system, making it an excellent destination for precise IFR training.

Olympia Regional Airport (KOLM)

KOLM is a regional airport that serves the state capital, primarily utilized by General Aviation (GA), flight schools, and state corporate traffic.

• The Strip: KOLM features a single runway (17/35), measuring 1,833 meters (6,014 feet), suitable for high-performance GA, turboprops, and regional jet operations.

• The Challenge: Puget Sound Fog: The primary challenge here is low visibility. Due to its location at the southern end of the Puget Sound, Olympia is notoriously susceptible to thick, persistent marine layer fog and low cloud ceilings, particularly in the cooler months. Sim pilots must be highly proficient in executing precision instrument approaches (ILS/RNAV) to navigate the approach and break out visually at minimums.

Visual Highlights

• Washington State Capitol Building: This is the city's absolute, unmissable visual anchor. The massive, neoclassical building, topped by a prominent dome, sits high on a hill overlooking the city and Capitol Lake. It is the definitive VFR landmark.

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• Capitol Lake and Deschutes River: These adjacent water features are clearly visible near the Capitol complex. The lake and the Deschutes River's path provide a clear visual guide marking the southern entrance to the city center.

• Budd Inlet/Puget Sound: The extensive, dark-blue saltwater inlet dominates the northern view. Its wide expanse and surrounding forested coastline are the primary geographical features, separating the city from the rest of the Sound.

• The Evergreen Hills: The entire flying environment is framed by the thick, green, dense evergreen forests typical of the Pacific Northwest, creating a strong, sharp boundary between the urban development and the surrounding wilderness.

• Downtown Core: The compact cluster of state government and commercial buildings is clearly rendered in the enhanced scenery, providing a recognizable urban target.

Pilot’s Note: The "Capitol Loop"

For a flight that tests low-visibility procedural skills and rewards with a scenic view, take a turboprop or regional jet (like a TBM 930) and plan an arrival into Runway 35.

The Maneuver: Plan a flight that utilizes the ILS approach for Runway 35. The challenge is executing a stable descent to the minimums over the flat terrain while navigating the persistent low cloud and fog. If visibility allows after landing, execute a VFR taxi out and request a low-altitude circuit over the city. This allows for a smooth loop over the Capitol Building and Budd Inlet, transitioning from the procedural challenge to a highly scenic view of the state capital.