Runway Extension Completed:

The airport completed a 1,000-foot extension of the runway on November 2, 2011. The runway extension project was a major milestone for the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport and its surrounding community. We would like to send a very sincere thank you to all those involved who helped make this project a reality for us and the community. The runway extension has touched many different stakeholders and users throughout the project's entirety, and with everyone's cooperation and hard work, we are there! Thank you!

Finished Runway.

The runway extension work is fully completed as it pertains to aircraft operations and safety. The remaining work, which is not related to aircraft operations, will be finished in the spring of 2012.

As always, please call airport operations at 970-920-5760 with questions, or if you'd like more detail.

A Citation X - the first aircraft to utilize the new runway extension.

Notices to Airmen (NOTAM's)/Airport Operational Impacts: Please check the ASE NOTAM's frequently for the most current information.

The Background

Due to the former 7,006-foot length of the runway, many commercial flights leaving the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport could not takeoff with full passenger and fuel loads most notably during the warm summer months. To allow the existing commercial aircraft to take off with full passenger, luggage and fuel loads, the airport extended the runway toward Buttermilk by 1,000 feet. This extension allows existing flights to accommodate more passengers, and results in greater efficiency and passenger convenience. It does NOT allow larger jets to fly into/out of the airport, which is prohibited by Pitkin County regulations.

The FAA issued a Finding of No Significant Impact on the Environmental Assessment on the Runway Extension and associated improvements on June 24, 2010. The Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners approved the Airport's land use application for the runway improvements on July 14, 2010. The Federal Aviation Administration covered approximately 82% of the $15.4 million cost. The remaining cost was funded with airport revenues and state aeronautics grant funds.

Summary of Runway Project Improvements:

• Redeveloped Buttermilk Metropolitan District water system
• Relocated airport utilities (electrical, communications, etc.)
• Relocated Owl Creek bike path
• Relocated airport vehicle service road (VSR)
• Extended parallel Taxiway "A" and construct connector taxiway
• Constructed taxiway turnaround on the west side of the runway
• Extended the runway 1,000 feet to the south (towards Buttermilk)

Benefits

Benefits of enabling planes to take off with full loads/more weight:

• Planes traveling with full loads are more efficient
• Filling existing flights rather than adding flights to meet demand is smarter and more efficient
• Flights traveling with full loads are more economically viable for the airlines, which improves the air service offered in terms of flights, times, destinations, and carriers
• Passenger convenience – Travelers are more likely to depart on their desired flights
• Visitor Retention – Ease of travel to Aspen makes visitors more likely to return
• Keeps more cars off the highway because planes can accommodate more passengers
• Passenger luggage does not have to be removed from flights leaving Aspen

Aircraft Size

THE RUNWAY EXTENSION WILL NOT RESULT IN LARGER AIRCRAFT FLYING INTO OR OUT OF ASPEN/PITKIN COUNTY AIRPORT. Pitkin County regulations prohibit larger aircraft due to airfield constraints. County Commissioners reaffirmed wingspan and gross weight restrictions in 2005. The longer runway extension does not alter the allowable wingspan or gross weight limitations of the Airport. The current restrictions will remain in place. The runway extension will not increase the size or types of aircraft able to use the airport.