Background: Jackson Hole Airport (KJAC) and its surrounding radar environment (Salt Lake Center) contain high-volumes of air carrier, passenger jet, fire-fighting, glider, and general aviation operations. Geography, operating practices of airport users, overflight aircraft, and the lack of surveillance tools create a complex operating environment, posing a significant risk to aviation safety.

LTA Purpose: To enhance safety in and around KJAC and to reduce the risk of traffic conflicts.

VFR Aircraft: When operating VFR within 30 NM of the JAC VOR/DME, Salt Lake Center (ZLC) advises pilots to
broadcast ADS-B Flight ID at all times, squawk 1246, and monitor frequency 133.25.

NOTE – Squawking 1246 indicates you are monitoring 133.25 and does not constitute radar services.

NOTE – For the purpose of this LTA, pilots are advised that radio coverage on the west side of the Teton Mountain Range is extremely limited. Aircraft operating in this area should not expect to establish or maintain two-way radio communication with ATC. See Figure 1 for the depiction of the affected area.

Standard Operating Procedures: To provide stable and predictable flight paths within limited airspace amidst mountainous terrain, controllers utilize RNAV and ILS approaches to KJAC Airport from the north and south.

IFR approaches are often disrupted due to VFR aircraft not in contact with ATC operating within the Runway 01/19 corridors, causing TCAS alerts. Pilots should obtain the KJAC ATIS for active runway/approach-in-use and remain clear of airborne hot spots (see Figure 1).

For aircraft not receiving VFR traffic advisories, Mode C altitudes are unverified and cannot be used for separation purposes. Squawking 1246 while monitoring 133.25 will minimize conflict by aiding ZLC controllers with positive aircraft identification and the potential to communicate an immediate traffic advisory.

Airborne Hot Spots:

• DNW VOR at and below 18,000 ft: Utilized for holding practice and multiple IFR approaches for the area converging north of and towards KJAC.
• Runway 19 Approach: VFRs navigating outside KJAC Class D Airspace along the ILS path.
• Runway 01 Approach: VFRs navigating between CILEG/HOMVA/JOGOX and KJAC.
• Runway 19 Departure: VFRs navigating between KJAC and KICNE in the departure corridor.
• TETON PASS: VFRs navigating between Teton Pass and Jackson City conflict with departing and arriving IFRs until east of Jackson City.

Depiction attached for KJAC arrival/departure corridor for Runway 01/19.