Background: 

Salt Lake City TRACON has experienced numerous aircraft departing South Valley Regional Airport (U42) violating Salt Lake Bravo airspace. This directly impacts operations and safety at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). The proximity of the Salt Lake Bravo airspace to U42 poses a significant risk to safety. Remain clear of SLC Bravo airspace until a clearance is received.

LTA Purpose:

Provide pilots with flight safety considerations when operating near U42 and the Salt Lake Bravo Airspace, to reduce the risk of traffic conflicts and increase safety margins.

SLC BRAVO AIRSPACE:

The Salt Lake Bravo airspace begins at 6000ft MSL over U42, while the Bravo surface area begins approximately 3 nautical miles north of U42. U42 has multiple additional shelves of airspace surrounding it. Aircraft on north approaches to SLC are descending over U42 to 6100ft MSL to a point approximately 3 nautical miles north of U42. Numerous traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS) alerts occur in this vicinity. When possible, VFR aircraft are requested to provide more than a 100ft buffer underneath SLC Bravo airspace to help with this situation. (See Attachment 1)

IFR Recommendations:

U42 IFR departures and arrivals can expect significant delays at certain times throughout the day.  The South Valley One Departure and the U42 RNAV (GPS) Runway 34 both proceed through Restricted Area R-6412 (SFC-10000ft MSL), with no restrictions to protect the airspace. Also, SLC scheduled arrivals/departures are directly impacted by U42 operations as they cannot occur simultaneously, and all surrounding airspace is protected. (See Attachment 2)

To minimize departure delays, IFR aircraft departing U42 may elect to depart VFR (weather permitting), remain outside of Salt Lake Bravo airspace, and contact Salt Lake Departure to request IFR clearance. Likewise, IFR arrival aircraft may elect to cancel IFR, descend below SLC Bravo airspace and proceed VFR to the field.

Please note that the U42 airspace is highly congested throughout the day. There are frequently numerous aircraft in the pattern and numerous helicopters operating in the vicinity.

North and West Departures:

IFR clearance will be given once airborne, west of SLC airport, and clear of SLC traffic conflicts. Depart the U42 traffic pattern and proceed underneath the Salt Lake Bravo airspace towards the Garfield Stack (VPGFS). When comfortable leaving U42 CTAF, contact SLC Approach on 120.9 to request your IFR clearance.

North and East Departures:

IFR clearance can be expected once east of Interstate 15 and clear of SLC arrivals/departures. Proceed toward South Interchange (VPBEE) and remain clear of SLC Bravo airspace. Be aware of the Salt Lake Bravo airspace shelves upon departure (See Attachment 1). Use caution for heavy volume of VFR aircraft maneuvering north and south over Interstate 15 (I-15).  Most SLC VFR aircraft will transition I-15 between 5,500 and 8,000. When comfortable leaving U42 CTAF, contact SLC Tower on 120.2 (if proceeding north) or 120.9 (if proceeding east or south), and request I-15 Bravo clearance to start your climb for an IFR pickup.

South Departures:

IFR clearance can be expected in the vicinity of FFU VORTAC. R-6412 is approximately 10nm south of U42. It frequently goes active below 10,000. When departing U42 southbound, it is recommended to depart east towards Interstate 15 (I-15) to help you avoid this airspace. Be aware of the Salt Lake Bravo airspace shelves upon departure (See Attachment 1). When comfortable leaving U42 CTAF, contact SLC Approach on 120.9 if north of Point of the Mountain (VPPTM), or 118.85 if south of Point of the Mountain (VPPTM) to request IFR clearance.

VFR Departure Procedures:

Pilots arriving and departing South Valley Regional Airport should:

• Review the VFR Terminal Area Chart and Flyway SALT LAKE CITY
• Be aware of your aircraft’s altitude and the relation to the Salt Lake Bravo airspace. The shelf directly above the airport is from 6000ft MSL through 12000ft MSL. The Bravo surface area begins approximately 3nm north of the airport.
• If departing VFR to the west or northwest, maintain VFR below the Salt Lake Bravo airspace and navigate towards the Garfield Stack (VPGFS).
• If departing VFR north, east or south, maintain VFR below the Salt Lake Bravo airspace and south of the Salt Lake Bravo surface area and navigate towards I-15. If transitioning Bravo airspace to the north contact SLC Tower on 120.2. If you are proceeding south and are wanting flight following, contact SLC Approach on 120.9 if north of Point of the Mountain, or 118.85 if south of Point of the Mountain.