KJAC/Jackson Hole will be closed to all traffic from April 11-June 28. Keep an eye out for the new KJAC Notam which has yet to be published.

What’s happening?

The runway is being replaced. Work has been happening in phases, and the first happened last year with minimal impacts. But now it’s time to get the really heavy machinery out  – the entire runway will be dug out, and the sub-base replaced.

If you’re wondering what sub-base is, it’s the granular layer that the hard stuff sits on top of. Of course, once it’s in place, the runway will also be fully re-paved. Unfortunately for traffic this means all operations will be stopped for 78 days.

Once the airport reopens, work will continue to groove the runway and apply markings, but this will happen with closures at night. The entire project will be wrapped up by August.

For more information you can view the official project website.

Is the runway being lengthened though?

Not this time. The existing runway has been in place for nearly half century, and having been re-surfaced several times it is just in need of a full replacement. There will still be 6,300′ (1920 m) of runway available when the project is finished.

Where else can I go?

There are several alternative airports that could be considered during the works. We asked OPSGROUP members what their preferred alternate is, and their answer was KDIJ/Driggs, Idaho.

It’s only 23nm away. The facilities are reportedly great, with a nice big apron that can easily fit your ride. Here is some information on the field:

Runway 04/22 7,300’/ 2,225m.

Instrument approaches: All RNAV. There is a discrete approach for 04, and an Alpha approach which will set you up for circling. Just make sure the weather is appropriate.

FBO: Teton Aviation Center. You can reach them on +1 208 354 3100, or via info@tetonaviation.com. Also it’s going to get busy – reservations are essential. Teton has put out some guidance to pilots here.

Gotchas: As you’d expect, lots of terrain and high elevation – 6231′. It’s also uncontrolled, but there is a UNICOM available on the CTAF frequency, 122.7.

Bonus: Harrison Ford may, or may not, keep a DHC-2 Beaver here. Just word on the street.

I’d prefer a side of ATC with that thanks.

The nearest controlled airport is KIDA/Idaho Falls. It’s 63 nm away, and doesn’t require any reservation of PPR (unless things start to get really crowded). It would still pay to let your FBO know you’re coming.

Runway 03/21 9002′ (2743m)

Instrument approaches: ILS available (21).

FBO: Aero Mark +1 208 524 1202 or info@aeromark.com

I’m on international ops, and need customs.

KJAC/Jackson Hole itself is not a port of entry. But if you’re looking for one with CBP nearby, the closest option is KBTM/Butte, 160nm away across the state line in Montana.

Runway 15/33 The longest option at 9000’/2743m.

Instrument approaches: ILS available (15).

FBO: Butte Aviation Inc, +1 406 494 6694 or trevor@butteaviation.com.

We welcome other suggestions!

Please get in touch with us at team@ops.group with any other recommendations, we love to hear from you!

Greenland have closed (nearly) ALL their airports to international passenger flights.

Well, apart from ones that come from Denmark. But don’t go thinking you can make a quick stop off there first, they’ve even specified those are not allowed.

There is a provision for you to get special permission if you are transporting someone particularly important to the Greenland economy, but beyond that, no pax.

Here is the NOTAM:

BGGL SONDRESTROM FIR/FIC
A0621/20 – COVID-19: FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS.
ALL CIVIL FLIGHTS FROM OUTSIDE BGGL FIR, ARE BANNED FROM LANDING AT AERODROMES WITHIN BGGL FIR. FOLLOWING EXEMPTIONS APPLY:

1. FLIGHTS FROM AERODROMES IN DENMARK

1A. FLIGHTS ORIGINATING IN OTHER COUNTRIES THAN DENMARK, WITH INTERMEDIATE STOP IN DENMARK BEFORE CONTINUING TO GREENLAND, ARE NOT EXEMPTED FROM THE BAN.

2. FLIGHTS TO BGTL. SPECIAL PERMISSION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DANISH TRANSPORT-, HOUSING- AND CONSTRUCTION AUTHORITY FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRANSPORT OF PERSONS WITH PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE TO THE ECONOMY OF SOCIETY. FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT RESTRICTIONS AND PROCEDURE FOR THE APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL PERMISSION CAN BE OBTAINED VIA THE FOLLOWING LINK: HTTPS://TBST.DK/EN/CIVIL-AVIATION. THE FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS DO NOT IMPACT THE USE OF AERODROMES AS ETOPS ALTERNATE OR FOR EMERGENCIES.

Still confused? Fear not, the government have now published a full clarification of the rules here – in plain language (which we like very much).

Can I do a tech stop?

Yes! Ferry flights and tech stops (gas and go) can continue – but you’ll need to remain onboard.

Overnight tech stops are not allowed without special permission.

Can I pick up passengers in Greenland?

Yes! You are allowed to ferry an empty aircraft to collect passengers. You just can’t bring them in.

What about ETOPS? Polar Alternates?

Yes! These are still permitted at BGBW/Narsarsuaq and BGSF/Kangerlussuaq. But watch out for extra charges if filing one of these airports on your flight plan as an alternate.

BGTL/Thule is only open to emergency diverts – not as a planning alternate because it’s a military airfield which has no passenger facilities.

Who is this going to impact?

Mainly anyone who wants to bring in passengers for entry to Greenland. If you want to do it, you will need to apply for a special exemption at least 48 hours in advance. And you’ll need a really good excuse.

Greenland serves as an important spot for ETOPS aircraft, and for an en-route alternate for polar operations – to repeat, you can still use BGBW and BGSF as ETOPS alternates.

 

So far they think the rule will remain in place until the end of January next year. Given the current mutated mink situation Denmark have found themselves in, we don’t expect it to reopen sooner.