VFR Procedures

Operating around Spanish Fork Airport can be challenging because of nearby Provo Airport traffic, mountainous terrain, and a high volume of general aviation, student pilot, and helicopter activity. The procedures below are recommended to improve awareness and reduce traffic conflicts. They are not FAA-enforceable procedures. 

Recommended VFR Procedures

Fixed-Wing Arrivals & Departures

  • Runway 12/30 use generally depends on wind conditions. Calm-wind runway is Runway 30.
  • North arrivals: Cross midfield, then extend outbound at least 2 to 4 nautical miles before entering downwind.
  • South arrivals: Remain west of I-15 and east of West Mountain, then proceed toward White Barn.
  • Departures: Use a downwind exit and avoid 360-degree turns in the pattern.

Helicopter Traffic

  • Helicopters should use a pattern opposite fixed-wing traffic.
  • Off-runway helicopter operations should avoid the fixed-wing traffic flow.

Additional Safety Considerations

  • Monitor CTAF 122.9 early, preferably within 10 nautical miles.
  • Keep radio calls short and clear.
  • Use recommended arrival waypoints to help avoid conflicts with the RNAV visual approach to Provo Runway 31.
  • Midfield crossings are recommended at 7,000 MSL to help avoid Spanish Fork jet traffic at 6,000 MSL.
  • This is a high-density training area. Student pilots and instructors should remain especially alert for faster general aviation, jet, and turbine aircraft.

Resource Description
VFR Pilot Pamphlet Full guide with procedures, pattern altitudes, maps, and notes
Practice Area Map Local practice areas and frequencies
SPK VFR Waypoints KML overlay of key VFR reporting points for ForeFlight
VFR Practice Areas KML overlay for practice-area navigation
VFR Frequency Zones KML overlay showing radio frequency sectors
PVU RNAV Visual Runway 31 Information Information about the Provo visual approach and avoiding conflicts
UAS Operations in Practice Areas K & L Map and information about UAS operations at or below 400 feet AGL

Report a Safety Concern

Pilots and airport users are encouraged to report near misses, runway incursions, traffic congestion, communication issues, wildlife hazards, and other airport safety concerns. Reports help Airport staff identify trends and improve safety.

Airport Safety Incident Report