# Enter Sion (DD-406)

> Sion Airport (LSGS) lies in the Rhône Valley in Switzerland's canton of Valais, surrounded by high Alpine terrain. According to the Reel, its instrument approach to Runway 25 uses an instrument guidance system with an initial 6-degree glide slope that eases to 4 degrees, much steeper than the standard 3 degrees, and pilots need special authorization to fly instrument approaches there. The footage shows an approach into the valley.

- Department: Tech (also Locations)
- First published: 2024-12-03
- Last updated: 2024-12-03
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/enter-sion/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-406-F01**: Rhône Valley, Valais. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Location))_
- **DD-406-F02**: LSGS. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Code))_

## Write-up

Sion Airport sits deep in the Rhône Valley, ringed by Alps. The Reel says its approach starts at a 6-degree slope.

1. **Location**: Rhône Valley, Valais.
2. **Code**: LSGS.
3. **Terrain**: Surrounded by Alps.
4. **Steep**: Steeper than 3 degrees, per the Reel.
5. **Authorization**: Special approval, per the Reel.

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

## Video: Enter Sion: Sion Airport Sits Deep in the Rhône Valley, Ringed by Alps

- Duration: 29.8 s · Published: 2024-12-03
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/DDH7IiepcRL.mp4

### Transcript

Approaching Sion Airport or LSGS in Switzerland presents unique challenges due to its location in the Rhône Valley surrounded by the Swiss Alps. The airport's primary instrument approach is an instrument guidance system or IGS for Runway 25 featuring an initial glide slope of 6°, that transitions to 4° on final approach, [...] the standard 3° glide slope. This steep [...] requires precise aircraft control and familiarity with the terrain. [...] must obtain a special authorization to conduct IFR approaches at Sion. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: Which country?**  
A: Valais. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Location) · Wikipedia: Sion Airport)_

**Q: Which valley?**  
A: River. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Code) · Wikipedia: Sion Airport)_

**Q: Standard glide slope?**  
A: Typical. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Terrain) · Wikipedia: Sion Airport)_

**Q: Airport code?**  
A: ICAO. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Steep) · Wikipedia: Sion Airport)_

**Q: What surrounds it?**  
A: Mountains. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Authorization) · Wikipedia: Sion Airport)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Sion Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sion_Airport)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Enter Sion." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-406, last updated Dec 3, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/enter-sion/