Background: 

Salt Lake TRACON has experienced numerous aircraft departing Bountiful Skypark (BTF) conflicting with aircraft transitioning the I-15 corridor. This directly impacts operations and safety at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). The proximity of Salt Lake Class B Airspace to BTF also poses a significant risk to safety.

Remain clear of Salt Lake Class B Airspace until a clearance is received.

LTA Purpose:

To provide pilots with safety considerations when operating near BTF and Salt Lake Class B Airspace, to reduce the risk of traffic conflicts, and increase safety margins. LTAs have also been issued for SPK/PVU, SVR and OGD/HIF to discuss operations at those airports.

Salt Lake Class B Airspace:

Salt Lake Class B Airspace begins at 7,500 ft. MSL over BTF, while the Salt Lake Class B Surface Area begins directly west of BTF and approximately 1NM south of BTF.

BTF Traffic Pattern:

Salt Lake Class B Surface Area begins directly west of BTF. The traffic pattern at BTF is always east of the airfield to prevent a Class B violation.

IFR Recommendations:

There are no published IFR procedures for BTF. SLC arrivals/departures are directly impacted by BTF IFR operations and may result in extended delays.

IFR arrivals may experience delays due to SLC traffic.  IFR arrivals may elect to have their clearance limit changed to SLC and cleared for an approach to runway 17/35 at SLC.  IFR aircraft may cancel IFR at their discretion prior to SLC and proceed to BTF under VFR conditions. 

IFR arrivals that elect to cancel IFR are expected to descend below Salt Lake Class B Airspace and remain clear of all Salt Lake Class B Airspace Shelves. 

To minimize departure delays, IFR aircraft departing BTF may elect to depart VFR (weather permitting), remain outside Salt Lake Class B Airspace, and contact Salt Lake Departure to request IFR clearance.

North/West/East Departures:

IFR clearance will be issued once airborne and clear of traffic conflicts. Depart the BTF traffic pattern and proceed underneath Salt Lake Class B Airspace towards Lagoon Amusement Park (VPLGN). Remain clear of HIF Class D Airspace unless two-way communication has been established with HIF Tower. When comfortable leaving BTF CTAF, contact Salt Lake TRACON on 120.9 (when south of VPLGN), or 121.1 (when west of VPLGN) to request IFR clearance. Aircraft wishing to climb via Mountain Road Transition may contact ATC as soon as possible to request that transition.

South Departures:

IFR clearance can be expected in the vicinity of FFU VORTAC. Pilots are advised to remain vigilant of Salt Lake Class B Airspace and remain clear until clearance is received by ATC.

Immediate eastbound departures climbing off BTF have a high potential to conflict with aircraft transitioning the I-15 corridor. Numerous operators use this corridor at all altitudes. Because of this potential, BTF operators are encouraged to consider the following procedures:

RWY 35 Departures: When departing from the BTF traffic pattern, it is recommended to first proceed north as an upwind departure and begin climbing (avoiding Salt Lake Class B Airspace and remaining west of the I-15 corridor) for several miles rather than immediately beginning a crosswind departure. When comfortable leaving CTAF, contact SLC Tower on 120.2 to request Salt Lake Class B transition and IFR clearance.  See image below.

RWY 17 Departures: When departing the BTF traffic pattern to transition south, it is recommended to make a downwind departure. Proceed north in the downwind for several miles, begin a climb remaining west of the I-15 corridor, and (when comfortable leaving CTAF) contact SLC Tower on 120.2 to request Salt Lake Class B transition and IFR clearance.

VFR Procedures:

Pilots arriving and departing from BTF Airport should:

•         Review the VFR Terminal Area Chart and Flyway SALT LAKE CITY.
•         Be aware of your altitude and your relation to Salt Lake Class B Airspace.
•         If departing VFR, remain clear of Salt Lake Class B Airspace until issued a clearance from ATC.
•         Contact 120.9/121.1 if northbound or 120.2 if southbound.