Jackson Hole Airport

FAR Part 150 Study Update

Jackson, Wyoming

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Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), located in Jackson, Wyoming, serves as the main gateway to both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. This busy non hub air carrier and corporate/general aviation airport lies in an environmentally sensitive area where airport noise and aircraft overflight are critical community issues.

Directly north of the airport is the entrance to Grand Teton National Park with the Teton peaks rising west of the airport and rising terrain to the east, as well. The instrument approach to Jackson Hole Airport is from the north, over the Park.

The first FAR Part 150 Study resulted in a Use Agreement between the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)/National Park Service and the Jackson Hole Airport Board. In addition, the Part 150 resulted in an access plan and noise restriction for certain aircraft making over a certain dB (sound decibel) level on approach. The study and recommendations were very controversial but led to a noise reduction program that has successfully reduced noise levels both in the Park and the surrounding area. In addition, seasonal on-going noise monitoring has occurred as a result of the Part 150 Study to ensure maintenance of the noise reduction program.

The Update of the FAR Part 150 Study recommended additional noise reduction measures, based on the Use Agreement language, in conjunction with a runway shift proposal to achieve runway safety area criteria.

Project Features

  • Update of a previously-prepared Barnard Dunkelberg & Company FAR Part 150 Study
  • Recommended additional noise reduction measures are proposed based upon Use Agreement language with the National Park Service.
  • A runway shift has been proposed as an additional noise mitigation effort that presents the added benefit of allowing the runway to fully comply with FAA runway safety area criteria.
  • Extensive local, regional and national significance in a highly controversial environment.

Client:
Jackson Hole Airport Board
Jeanne Kirkpatrick, Assistant Director
(307) 733-7695