General Approach and Landing, Departure, and Pattern Procedures - Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Only

Please comply with the procedures listed below, unless required otherwise by Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), weather conditions or aircraft limitations.

General Guidelines

  • Avoid flying over areas that are shaded red on the noise abatement map. If you must fly over red-shaded areas, maintain 7,500 feet mean sea level (MSL) or higher.
  • Avoid high rotations-per-minute propeller settings.
  • Watch out for heavy glider operations on the parallel grass runway. The glider traffic pattern is an inside power pattern for Runways 8 and 26.
  • Crosswind entries are discouraged.
  • All downwind legs should be flown south of Jay Road.
  • Frequent "no radio" operations.
  • Traffic pattern altitude is 6,300 feet MSL.
  • Use Runway 8 in calm wind conditions and Runway 26 in west wind only.

Note: Aircraft approaching at over 100 knots Indicated Air Speed cannot comply with these procedures.

Runway 8 - Preferred for All Light Wind Conditions

Approach and Landing

  • 6,300 feet MSL or 1,012 feet above ground level (AGL).
  • No straight in or base entries to Runway 8.
  • No approaches west of 28 th Street.
  • Avoid flying west of 30 th Street.
  • Fly close, steep approach (avoid "dragging it in").

Departure

  • Left-hand traffic.
  • 6,300 feet MSL or 1,012 feet AGL.
  • No turns below 5,800 feet MSL (closed traffic).
  • Depart straight out.

Runway 26 - West Wind Only

Approach and Landing

  • Caution - Expect severe turbulence and down drafts on the short final approach during strong west winds.
  • 6,300 feet MSL or 1,012 feet AGL.
  • Severe turbulence and vertical currents are possible west of airport.

Departure

  • Right-hand traffic.
  • 6,300 feet MSL or 1,012 feet AGL.
  • No straight out departures.
  • Caution - Expect severe turbulence, vertical currents and wind shear during strong west winds.
  • Crosswind leg east of 30th Street.

The City of Boulder is committed to digital accessibility. Some content may not be fully accessible due to technical limitations or issues. For alternate formats or accommodations, please visit Accessibility | City of Boulder or contact accessibility@bouldercolorado.gov.