Jackson Hole Airport Information for Pilots
Pilot Information
General Cautions
At challenging airports like JAC, an inadequately planned or executed approach and touchdown can generate a runway excursion. SAFO 11011 contains Best Practices and Mitigation Strategies (SAFO 11011_SUP) that were identified during an independent review of JAC operations.
The Best Practices and Mitigation Strategies work to ensure that flight crews conduct stabilized approaches and touchdown with accuracy – on speed, on path, configured and landing at a point on the runway, within the touchdown zone to ensure the aircraft to be stopped on the runway, thereby avoiding a runway excursion. While some operators currently incorporate many of these items in their programs, others do not and excursions continue to occur. These Best Practices and Mitigation Strategies are widely applicable and should be considered for any challenging special airport.
Safety Improvements
JAC has installed a runway centerline lighting system to aid in mitigating the “Black Hole Effect” on approach, and to provide additional visual cues for vertical and lateral positioning and runway distance remaining. The RCLS is a standard configuration in which the centerline lights alternate red and white at 3000’ feet remaining, and turn solid red at 1000’ feet remaining for both Runway 01 and 19. The project cost approximately $3.1 million and also includes runway distance remaining (RDR) signs on both sides of the runway and touchdown, midpoint and rollout RVRs. The system went operational in mid October 2012.
JAC has completed installation of Deicing Pads and a Glycol Recovery System. The Pads are located at the north end of Taxiway A and are designed to accommodate two B757-200s simultaneously. By locating the pads at the approach end of Runway 19, it is hoped that shortened taxi times and distances for RWY19 departures will improve deice and anti-ice fluid effectiveness. Aircraft must leave the movement area to access the pads, and contact Ground on 124.550 prior to taxiing from the pads for clearance. Flight crews should know their provider’s deicing frequencies and follow all ground handling/marshaling instructions while in the deicing pad area. The Deicing Pads and Glycol recovery System went operational in mid October 2012 at a cost of $6.5 million. JAC collects and ships collected deicing fluids to facilities in Denver and Salt Lake City for recycling.
Jackson Hole Airport in cooperation with the National Park Service, FAA, and Wyoming Aeronautics, paved 950’ of runway safety area at the departure end of Runway 19. The Paved Safety Area is stressed to handle aircraft loading and was installed to mitigate injury and/or damage to persons and aircraft in the event of an overrun. This pavement is not runway, and may not be used for performance calculations. This 950’ of Paved Safety Area consists of an asphalt porous friction course, is marked with yellow chevrons and is plowed and broomed during the winter to ensure it is available for use.
The Jackson Hole Airport is recommending for anyone planning to conduct aeronautical activities (skydiving, hang gliding, hot air ballooning, etc.), within 10 miles of the Jackson Hole Airport to please notify the Jackson Hole Airport Air Traffic Control Tower at (307)-732-0304. This small gesture will greatly improve the safety of both aircraft and recreational enthusiasts alike. Thank you.
Noise Abatement and Monitoring
Due to the unique location of the Jackson Airport within Grand Teton National Park (GTNP), noise abatement procedures have been implemented. Please contact the Jackson Hole Airport for additional information at 307-733-7695.
A voluntary noise curfew is in effect. Private aircraft are requested to NOT LAND OR TAKEOFF between 2130 and 0700 local.
Please observe this curfew unless an emergency exists.
We request that operators adhere to this voluntary noise curfew in an effort to minimize noise over Grand Teton National Park and communities around JAC.
Stage Two aircraft restriction: Jackson Municipal Code 12-16-210B As of June 28, 2004 all stage two aircraft are prohibited from landing at the Jackson Hole Airport. Violators will be prosecuted.
Single Event Restriction: No aircraft is permitted to operate from the Jackson Hole Airport which has a single event noise level on approach that exceeds 92dBa as determined by Advisory Circular 36-3H or later as amended.
Runway 19: Avoid overflight of GTNP as much as possible. When approaching from the
north, stay east of HWY 89 until reaching Moose on 4 mile final. Plan to enter on left
downwind for 19 when approaching from all other directions.
Runway 01: Runway 01 is the preferred arrival runway. Plan on a right downwind for 01
when approaching from the northwest through the northeast and stay east of HWY 89.
Approaches from the south, plan on a straight in to 01. Maintain 8,000 feet until 4 miles on final.
IFR Arrivals are urged to request visual approaches and follow these noise
abatement procedures whenever weather conditions permit.
Runway 19: Runway 19 is the preferred departure runway. Make a left 45° turn as soon as
practical after takeoff to avoid overflight of the residential area. Proceed on course after
reaching 8,500 MSL. Avoid northwest climbs over GTNP.
Runway 01: Turn right to stay east of HWY 89 as soon as practical after takeoff. Avoid
climbs to the northwest of GTNP.
IFR Departures: IFR departures during VFR conditions are urged to utilize these noise
abatement procedures during climbout. Please ask tower or SLC Center for VFR noise
abatement climb to intercept your IFR route whenever weather conditions permit.
Stage III Airport: The Airport is entirely contained within Grand Teton National Park (GTNP). Therefore, operation is limited to aircraft certified as Stage III (ref. FAA AC 36-1H or version currently in effect).
Stage Two aircraft restriction: Jackson Municipal Code 12-16-210B As of June 28, 2004 all stage two aircraft are prohibited from landing at the Jackson Hole Airport. Violators will be prosecuted.
No flights below 3000’ AGL over Grand Teton National Park and stay east of the Snake River.
There are limitations in services such as fire protection and snow removal after hours.
The mandatory approach noise restriction applies to all aircraft.
The voluntary procedures described are intended for noise abatement purposes and are subject to air traffic control and pilot discretion for reasons of safety.
