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There are 2 phases to the Truckee Tahoe Airport Master Plan Update:
Phase 1 will consider the feasibility of a third runway (Runway 16/34) and draft instrument flight procedures.
The third runway is being examined for efficacy in providing an alternative to disperse aircraft operations and may involve new arrival and departure procedures that direct aircraft operations over unpopulated or lightly populated areas, when winds permit.
The Master Plan update process will provide TTAD an opportunity to further evaluate the purpose for the third runway, perform public outreach, refine the layout of the conceptual runway and parallel taxiway, and determine how the runway will be integrated with the existing airfield. Before taking any action related to a third runway or alternative airfield configuration, TTAD must first update the adopted TRK Airport Layout Plan (ALP). Justification for airfield improvements requires a Master Plan update that shows the planning that supports any changes or development proposals.
The Master Plan update will also provide a means for TTAD to officially engage with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA will not start the federal environmental review process until the Airport Master Plan update is completed, and the agency has formally approved and signed the associated ALP.
Components of the Airport Master Plan – Phase 1:
Phase 1 will present alternatives and benefits to the community. If any of the alternatives are determined to meet goals and be feasible, then the ALP will be updated and TTAD will seek FAA input and potential acceptance. This step does not guarantee construction, as environmental documents will need to be completed and funding secured.
The draft instrument flight procedures have been developed as suggested updates to the airspace, now that the Truckee Tahoe Airport has an air traffic control tower and is part of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) system of aircraft guidance.
Phase 1, currently underway, is expected to be completed in the fall of 2022 with a white paper submission to the FAA.
Phase 2 launches after receiving a response from the FAA and TTAD’s decision regarding the Runway Feasibility Study. With clear guidance from the FAA as to whether a third runway or instrument flight procedures may be accepted, the airport will begin a broader analysis of the existing airport, its facilities, and its expected future operations. The project team will then develop several potential scenarios for short-, mid-, and long-term improvements to the Truckee Tahoe Airport.
Like Phase 1, Phase 2 of the Airport Master Plan Update will require extensive public outreach to ensure the community understands the process and the elements under consideration, and can provide feedback that will help guide the update. Phase 2 is expected to last for one year.
The Truckee Tahoe Airport District has completed the Design and Criteria portion of the procedure development process. The airport developed working groups with pilots, technical advisors, airport leadership, the Federal Aviation Administration, and environmental organizations to suggest improvements to the existing flight procedures. The airport and its aviation partners also performed several assessments of the planes that fly into TRK, the paths they currently take, and items like terrain, population centers, and improvements in aviation technology that may allow for more streamlined flightpaths in and out of the Truckee region. From these analyses, the Truckee Tahoe Airport District has developed a set of potential flight procedures, and the final design and criteria is underway.
After the Truckee Tahoe Airport District drafts a set of potential new flight procedures, the procedures must undergo federal environmental review. All environmental reviews of air traffic projects are conducted under the guidelines and regulations of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and related statutory and regulatory environmental laws such as the Clean Air Act and National Historic Preservation Act, as well as internal FAA environmental regulations:
For more details on the FAA environmental review process, click here.
The airport is actively seeking input from the community on the proposed flight procedures. Members of the public have from now until the procedures are submitted to the FAA to review the draft procedures and provide their feedback. You are welcome to submit comments via this website, airport phone, or during any of the monthly Truckee Tahoe Airport Board meetings. The feedback will be compiled and presented to the Airport Board before the submission.
Two public Open House meetings to discuss TRK’s proposed flight procedures and Master Plan Update are scheduled as follows:
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual – for info and Zoom link, visit:
truckeetahoeairport.com
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
5:30 – 8:00 p.m. (stop by anytime)
In-person at Truckee Tahoe Airport
Terminal Building Community Room
See meeting flyer for location and details
To provide your feedback on the proposed flight procedures, click here.
The Truckee Tahoe Airport Board will review the procedures, public comment, and the environmental analyses, and then determine a final set of procedures to submit to the FAA. The FAA approvals process is expected to take up to three years.
The Federal Aviation Administration has oversight of the airspace around Truckee Tahoe Airport, but is willing to consider revised flight procedures proposed by the Truckee Tahoe Airport District. In order to create procedures that comply with FAA regulations, TTAD is required to use specific criteria and include feedback from key stakeholders—including the public.
Several regional and federal organizations are directly involved in the lengthy process, including:
Since 1958, the Truckee Tahoe Airport District has been providing a high quality, safe facility for pilots, visitors, and the community. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountain range at an elevation of 5,900 feet, twelve miles from Lake Tahoe, we are committed to offering the best small, mountain airport in the country. We are proud of our pilot safety and community programs, state-of-art energy saving facilities and top notch staff and leadership.