The Truckee Tahoe Airport Master Plan Update: planning for the future of our community airport

How you can impact the process:

Step 1

Learn about the airport’s goals, how flight procedures are developed, and the project timeline.

Step 2

Review the efforts undertaken so that our flight procedures may protect our community.

Step 3

Review videos and images of each draft flight procedure and their potential effects.

Step 4

If desired, submit your comments on the proposed flight procedures.

What is an Airport Master Plan?

An Airport Master Plan is a primary planning document for short-, medium-, and long-term improvements for an airport, its users, and its neighbors. The Truckee Tahoe Airport District (TTAD) is required to plan for the future of the Truckee Tahoe Airport (TRK), and in 2015, completed the 2025 Airport Master Plan. As the Truckee community continues to grow, TTAD is updating elements in the 2025 Airport Master Plan to reflect new traffic data as well as new planning methodologies.

The airport is in Phase 1 of updating its Airport Master Plan, and is currently analyzing the potential utility of a third runway. Some of the many elements that the complete airport master plan update will consider include:

  • Updated instrument flight procedures, which will reduce flight track miles over the region, lessening greenhouse gas emissions and noise
  • A potential third runway; analyses are happening now to determine if this will sufficiently benefit the community and pilots
  • Additional airfield improvements
  • Landside improvements, including parking and access roads
  • Updates to nonaeronautical features such as trails and sustainability efforts

Consistent Efforts to Reduce Impacts on Neighbors and the Environment

The Truckee Tahoe Airport District Board and staff work tirelessly to make Truckee Tahoe Airport the safest, most efficient airport possible. They are directed by three guiding principles:

  • Safe, high quality services and facilities
  • Reduced impact on neighbors and environment
  • Investments for sustained community benefit

To abide by these principles, the TTAD is currently undergoing several plans, studies, and projects. In addition to the Airport Master Plan update, TTAD is also preparing the following:

  • New instrument flight procedures, to provide more efficient routes into and out of TRK
  • A new strategic plan to guide the airport in future business endeavors
  • Free and incentivized annual pilot training for flying safely in the region
  • Increased offering of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Recent improvements to TTAD policies and programs include:

  • Installing Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) to accurately track and guide aircraft through our mountainous region
  • Developing and staffing an air traffic control tower at TRK to more efficiently direct aircraft and manage the airspace
  • Land Management Plan to protect and preserve thousands of acres of open space

These strategies, in combination with the Airport Master Plan update and daily efforts from TTAD, are all part of a measured, incremental mission to mitigate the impact of aircraft operations in the North Tahoe community.

Information & Resources

Many different elements are considered when developing the new master plan. Please use the options below to learn about the program, and how it might affect you.

About Truckee Tahoe Airport District

The Truckee Tahoe Airport (TRK), managed by the Truckee Tahoe Airport District (TTAD), is the largest general aviation airport in the northern Tahoe region. Managed by a Board comprised of 5 elected members from Nevada and Placer Counties, TRK is a designated California Special District, and funding comes from fuel sales, real estate rent, and local property taxes.

The TTAD’s primary responsibility is to provide safe and efficient aviation facilities and services. Additionally, as a California Special District, the airport has an expressed mandate to provide benefit to its community. In addition to providing aviation services, the Truckee Tahoe Airport District supports community programs, initiatives and organizations, makes its facilities and land available for community use, operates as a base for emergency services, and makes sizable investments in the region it serves.