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KBJC - Rocky Mountain Metro Airport

Opened 1960
Annual Airport Operations (2022): 262,348

News Articles:

Colorado Airport Submits To Noise Study - Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (commonly called Jeffco) will undergo an FAA Part 150 Noise Compatibility Planning process to address increasingly loud calls for the closure of the airport over noise complaints and, more recently, leaded avgas emissions. It’s a formal process designed to determine the overall noise signature of the facility and identify mitigation efforts. “Our goal is to be as good of a neighbor as we can,” Airport Director Eric Dahl said. “To listen to what people are saying and try to figure out how we can minimize what impacts we can and to the degree that we’re able to.” A well-organized group of anti-airport activists has been lobbying against the airport for years and there have been lawsuits launched also. - July 13, 2025

Jeffco Noise Study Revealed; Touch & Go Operations Cited - Brad Walker, a longtime pilot at Jefferson County, Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Municipal Airport (KBJC; also known as “Jeffco”), has actively challenged efforts by homeowners to sue the county over noise and lead pollution associated with the airport. Most recently, he filed a request under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) statute (similar to the federal Freedom of Information Act) to acquire a noise study commissioned by his hometown of Superior, Colorado, which abuts the airport property. His request had been denied, based on attorney-client privilege, but Walker recently acquired a copy of the report and shared it with AVweb. - April 8, 2024

Broomfield leaves airport noise group and blasts Jefferson County for lack of progress and trust - The Broomfield City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to leave a board created three years ago to address growing noise concerns at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. City leaders and some of its residents are blasting the so-called community noise roundtable as an ineffective waste of time and money. The airport is owned by Jefferson County and residents in neighboring communities have been raising concerns for years about the impacts of airport noise on their health and wellbeing. - March 27, 2024

Superior and Boulder County Take Legal Action Against Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport and Jeffer - Lawsuit Calls for Airport to Stop Causing Unreasonable Health and Safety Risks - On March 12, 2024, the Town of Superior (the “Town”) and the Board of County Commissioners for Boulder County (“Boulder County”) filed a lawsuit in the Boulder County District Court to protect their residents from negative and unreasonable health impacts caused by certain operations at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (the “Airport”). In the complaint, a copy of which can be found here. the Town and Boulder County request the Court require Jefferson County, owner and operator of the Airport, to abate the public nuisance stemming from piston-engine aircraft conducting touch-and-go operations at the Airport. The Town and Boulder County are not seeking monetary damages, are not trying to close the Airport, are not trying to limit which aircraft can use the Airport, and are not asking Jefferson County to do anything it is not expressly authorized to do. - March 12 2024

Concerned over lead found in homes, Superior trustees point to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport
 - The Superior Board of Trustees on Monday night expressed concern over positive lead results from homes in the Rock Creek neighborhood, and the effects lead can have on the town’s children.

Trustees fear that the source of the lead is emissions from planes taking off from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. - March 15, 2024

Suit Launched To Halt Touch And Goes At Jeffco - The town of Superior, Colorado and Boulder County are suing neighboring Jefferson County and Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (often call Jeffco), which is owned by Jefferson County, to force them to ban touch and goes at the busy training airport. Citing “negative and unreasonable health impacts” from noise and lead pollution, the city and county say they’ve tried for years to get their next-door neighbors to respond to their concerns but instead activity at the airport has steadily increased. Operations increased from 191,553 in 2019 to 281,806 in 2023 and the vast majority are training flights from the four flight schools on the sprawling 1,700-acre field. - March 12, 2024

‘Freedom Of Information’ Request On Jeffco Noise Testing Denied By Town - Brad Walker is frustrated, but resolute. A long-time GA pilot based at Jefferson County, Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (aka “Jeffco”), he has filed multiple requests under the Colorado Open Records Act (similar to the Freedom of Information Act) to obtain information related to legal action by area residents against the airport. Walker’s findings include eye-opening results of lead-pollution tests commissioned by the town of Superior, Colorado, and previously reported by AVweb. - March 4, 2024

Airport consultants vow to hire director who will be front-and-center in dealing with the public - Honesty is the chief quality the new director of the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport must possess, said airport critic Bri Lehman. “Honesty underlines everything,” said Lehman, a Lafayette resident said Tuesday. She told a group of consultants that a lack of trust between previous airport directors and the airport’s neighbors has been a persistent problem. “This has been going on for a long time,” Lehman said. - February 27, 2024

Residents Sue Colorado Airport - A lawsuit organized by disgruntled homeowners who live near Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Colorado pits neighbors against the national aviation system and their local airport. - January 10, 2024

Avigation Easements Explained - The lawsuit a group of homeowners is filing in Colorado claiming the local airport, Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport—also known as Jeffco (KBJC)—is financially responsible for lowering their property values. The issue of “avigation easements” came up in my research on the lawsuit, and some readers asked for clarification on exactly what the term means and how it applies in the real world. - January 5, 2024

County investigated claims former airport manager belittled and called nearby residents ‘nut jobs' - The director of one of the fastest growing airports in Colorado left his job abruptly last month, just days after critical comments he made about residents living near the airport were revealed to county officials. - December 21, 2023

400 homeowners sue JeffCo over airport’s effect on home prices - Four hundred and six homeowners in Superior are suing Jefferson County, accusing its airport of violating their airspace, dumping lead on them and devaluing their 230 houses. - December 26, 2023

Colorado Noise Disputes Escalate - Continued complaints about aircraft operations at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport have led the town of Superior, Colorado, to retain legal counsel ahead of potential litigation. - December 20, 2023

NOISE CONCERNS DIVIDE AVIATORS, RESIDENTS IN COLORADO - Pilots had to fight to have their voices heard at a community listening session in Colorado while residents rallied for airport restrictions because of concerns related to noise and fuel. - October 26, 2023

Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport Accelerates Transition to Unleaded Fuel Three Years Ahead of FAA - October 5, 2023

Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport to switch to unleaded aviation fuel 3 years ahead of deadline - October 4, 2023

Suburban residents battle noise, lead pollution from busy metro Denver airports - July 7, 2023

Daily Camera Article from Feb. 5 1997 - Newspaper article from the Daily Camera advising the town of Superior to not develop Rock Creek Ranch by Jefferson County



Press releases:

KBJC - Flight Path Changes Memo - The June 10, 2025 FAA memorandum outlines new operational restrictions at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) effective June 16, 2025, in response to high rates of safety incidents. The changes include tighter rules for pattern traffic, runway occupancy, and sequencing of IFR arrivals, requiring standardized 5-mile finals and stricter runway change coordination. Departures are subject to new altitude and routing restrictions, particularly ensuring jets and high-performance props maintain priority. VFR arrivals and departures are given defined routing points, while helicopters face stricter routing, altitude, and taxiway limitations. Line Up and Wait (LUAW) is explicitly prohibited. The stated goal is to simplify operations and improve safety, with a collaborative working group beginning June 24 to review and refine these procedures before they are incorporated into the standard operating procedures - June 10, 2025

Town of Superior Response - The December 22, 2023 letter from the Town of Superior, through its attorney, responds to Jefferson County’s August 2023 correspondence regarding noise and emissions from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA). The Town criticizes the County for dismissing proposed solutions while offering none of its own, reiterating concerns about flight school training operations causing excessive noise and lead pollution over residential areas. The letter welcomes news of a Part 150 Study and Noise Compatibility Program but demands written confirmation and inclusion in the process to ensure meaningful noise abatement measures. It argues that ANCA does not apply to most RMMA aircraft, making restrictions such as landing fees, curfews, touch-and-go limitations, and preferential runway systems legal options for noise mitigation. The Town urges the County to act swiftly and decisively to reduce the health and safety impacts of airport operations on surrounding communities  - December 22, 2023

Letter to CO AG from the following organizations: AOPAGAMAHAINBAANATA - The October 19, 2023 joint letter to Colorado Attorney General Philip Weiser was submitted by several national aviation associations to provide context ahead of a community listening session on general aviation airports. The letter emphasizes that public airports are vital to local economies, emergency response, and transportation, while also noting that concerns about noise, emissions, and flight paths fall under federal jurisdiction. It explains that the FAA has exclusive authority over airspace, flight operations, and aircraft noise, while the EPA regulates aircraft emissions under the Clean Air Act—preempting state or local regulation. The associations stress that while progress is being made toward unleaded aviation fuel through the FAA’s EAGLE initiative, current safety and operational requirements still necessitate leaded AvGas. They urge the Attorney General to balance community concerns with the legal and practical realities of maintaining national aviation infrastructure and reaffirm their commitment to collaborative, informed dialogue - October 19, 2023

RMMA Press Release Unleaded Fuel Transition - The October 4, 2023 press release announces that Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA) and Jefferson County officials are accelerating the airport’s transition to unleaded aviation fuel, aiming to complete the switch by fall 2024—three years ahead of the FAA’s 2030 deadline. RMMA is already shifting to UL94 unleaded fuel, compatible with two-thirds of its fleet, supported by new fuel storage and transport infrastructure. The airport also plans to fully adopt 100UL, an unleaded option suitable for all piston aircraft engines, within two to three years as production scales up. Leaders emphasized that this initiative reflects innovation, community collaboration, and a balance between economic growth and quality of life. RMMA, Colorado’s third-busiest airport with over 400 aircraft and 50 businesses, generates an estimated $731 million in annual economic impact . - October 4, 2023

Fuel Transition Timeline - The FUEL TIMELINE document from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA) outlines the airport’s transition plan toward unleaded aviation fuel. It presents a phased approach starting with the adoption of UL94 unleaded fuel, already compatible with a significant portion of the fleet, followed by full transition to 100UL once it becomes commercially available. The timeline emphasizes RMMA’s goal of eliminating leaded fuel ahead of federal deadlines, positioning the airport as a leader in Colorado’s move toward cleaner aviation practices. It highlights the airport’s investment in infrastructure to support storage and distribution, and frames the effort as both an environmental responsibility and a commitment to community partnership

Fuel FAQ - The FUEL FAQ document explains Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport’s (RMMA) staged plan to transition from leaded to unleaded aviation gasoline. Starting in fall 2024, RMMA will provide UL94 unleaded fuel, compatible with about two-thirds of its fleet, while awaiting the broader availability of 100UL, which works in all piston aircraft. The transition cannot happen immediately because UL94 is unsafe for many aircraft types, so RMMA is prioritizing safety and gradual adoption. The FAQ also details federal oversight by the FAA and EPA, cost concerns for pilots and tenants, and RMMA’s efforts to mitigate expenses through FAA grants and rent incentives for flight schools. The airport anticipates completing the full transition within two to three years, well ahead of the FAA’s 2030 deadline, with the final challenge being scaling up national production and distribution of 100UL


Meetings/Communications:

Response to Boulder Superior Letter - April 29, 2025

Letter to Jefferson County Board Commissioners - April 18, 2025

Superior Colorado Community Listening Session - October 23, 2023

Boulder Airport Budget: Upcoming Council Meeting - September 26, 2023

Response from Jefferson County - 08162023 - Response letter to the Town of Superior from August 2023

Town of Superior Letter to KBJC - Letter from the Town of Superior from July 2023

FAA Letter to Town of Superior - May 18, 2023  Of note from this letter: A ban or restriction on the sale or use of 100LL (Avgas) at a federally obligated airport is inconsistent with Grant Assurance 22, Economic Nondiscrimination (49 United States Code Section 47107(a)(1)).

Letter to Town of Superior from Jefferson County - July 10, 1996

Letter to Town of Superior from Jefferson County - June 25, 1996

Letter to Town of Superior from Jefferson County - January 23, 1996

Letter to Town of Superior from Jefferson County - In bold font from the letter: ""within these zones, it is recommended that all residential and public buildings...be prohibited" - November 21, 1995

Letter to Town of Superior from Jefferson County - December 11, 1986


Lead Studies:


CABA and CPA Lead Surveys Press release - February 8, 2024 - Denver, Colo. – The Colorado Aviation Business Association (CABA) and Colorado Pilots Association (CPA) released the following statement welcoming the findings of no lead contamination in communities near Rocky Mountain Metro Airport, and reaffirming the commitment of the aviation industry to safely replace leaded aviation gas by 2030.

Lead Study from town of Superior - On August 11, 2023, Pinyon Environmental, Inc. (Pinyon) completed surface lead wipe sampling within the Town of Superior (Town) for the seven community locations where airborne lead sampling was previously performed. (Figure 1). The seven sampling locations were chosen by the Town with respect to each location’s proximity to the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA) flight patterns. The surface lead wipe sampling included a combination of indoor and outdoor locations.

Airborne Lead Study from town of Superior - On May 16 and May 17, 2023, Pinyon Environmental, Inc. (Pinyon) completed air sampling for lead analysis at seven community locations within the Town of Superior (Town) (Figure 1). The seven sampling locations were chosen by the Town with respect to each location’s proximity to the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA) flight patterns. The study included three indoor and four outdoor locations.

City of Lafayette Airborne Lead Sampling - On October 19 and October 20, 2023, Pinyon Environmental, Inc. (Pinyon) completed air and surface sampling for lead analysis at four community locations within the Town of Lafayette (Town). The four sampling locations were chosen by the Town with respect to each location’s proximity to the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA) flight patterns (Appendix A). The study included two indoor and two outdoor locations.

City of Louisville Airborne Lead Sampling - On November 6 and November 9, 2023, Pinyon Environmental, Inc. (Pinyon) completed air and surface sampling for lead analysis at four community locations within the Town of Louisville (Town). The four sampling locations were chosen by the Town with respect to each location’s proximity to the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA) flight patterns (Appendix A). The study included two indoor and two outdoor locations.


Noise Study:


RMMA Noise Measurement Summary February - The following summarizes the noise levels measured at the Water Bladder measurement location located off S. Torreys Peak Dr. and aircraft operations detected over the Town of Superior for the month of February 2024. Additional information regarding the measurements is attached. - February 2024

RMMA - Fly Quiet Program - The Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport is located amongst thriving business parks and residential areas. To balance the needs of our community, our noise abatement program is designed to minimize noise from aircraft operations and reduce any negative effects on the surrounding areas.



A Guide to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport - A guide to air traffic at Rocky Mountain Metro Airport explaining the training traffic, noise and who sets the rules.

A Guide to Understanding Airport Operations and Aircraft Noise - Developed for the residents and communities surrounding Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA).

RMMA Strategic Business Plan Page - RMMA, in consultation with an aviation consultant, developed the Strategic Business Plan in order to guide investment and development decisions over the next 20 years. As the region grows, so has interest in development at RMMA. With nearly 200 acres of aeronautical land available, there are many potential opportunities for investment at the airport.

KBJC Fly Quiet Program - The Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport is located amongst thriving business parks and residential areas. To balance the needs of our community, our noise abatement program is designed to minimize noise from aircraft operations and reduce any negative effects on the surrounding areas.


Legal Documents


Town of Superior Appeal on Airport Noise and Safety - The TOS Lawsuit Appeal document is a legal filing that outlines an appeal related to a dispute over airport operations and community impacts. It challenges prior rulings and argues that flight training activity at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport creates excessive noise and environmental harm, particularly affecting nearby residents. The appeal raises issues of federal preemption, local authority, and community health, asserting that more stringent restrictions or operational changes should be considered. Overall, the document positions the appellants as seeking relief from what they view as insufficient oversight and accountability in balancing aviation operations with community welfare - September 3, 2025

FAA / Superior Lawsuit dismissal - The March 28, 2025 Order of Dismissal from Boulder County District Court addresses the lawsuit brought by the Town of Superior and Boulder County against Jefferson County and the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport Director. The plaintiffs sought an injunction to restrict piston-engine “touch and go” operations, arguing they created excessive noise, unsafe lead exposure, and public health hazards. The court dismissed the case, ruling that federal law preempts local or state attempts to regulate flight operations, including noise and emissions. Citing multiple precedents, the judge concluded that while airport proprietors may propose restrictions to the FAA, only federal authorities can approve and enforce such measures. The ruling leaves plaintiffs the option of pursuing remedies through FAA administrative channels but bars state courts from granting the requested injunction - March 28, 2025

Defendant's Notice of Removal Based on Federal Question Jurisdiction -  The March 14, 2024 Notice of Removal was filed by Jefferson County and the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport Director to transfer the Town of Superior and Boulder County’s lawsuit from Boulder County District Court to federal court. The defendants argue that the plaintiffs’ claims—seeking to enjoin “touch and go” training operations due to alleged noise, lead emissions, and safety risks—raise federal questions. Specifically, they contend the case is governed by federal aviation law, including the Federal Aviation Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Airport Noise and Capacity Act, all of which preempt state or local regulation of aircraft operations. By asserting federal preemption, the defendants maintain that jurisdiction properly lies with the U.S. District Court . - March 14, 2024

Town of Superior Lawsuit - The Complaint for Injunctive Relief filed on March 12, 2024, by the Town of Superior and Boulder County seeks to restrict piston-engine “touch-and-go” training operations at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. The plaintiffs argue that these operations create a continuing public nuisance by subjecting residents to excessive noise and depositing unsafe levels of lead particulates, causing serious health and safety risks. The complaint details the rapid growth of airport operations, the concentration of flight school activity, and supporting research from the National Academies, EPA, and WHO on the dangers of lead exposure and aircraft noise. It further alleges Jefferson County has ignored community concerns and failed to act in good faith through the airport’s Noise Roundtable. The plaintiffs request preliminary and permanent injunctions prohibiting piston-engine touch-and-go operations on runways 30L and 30R to protect public health, safety, and residents’ quality of life - March 2024

Rock Creek Easement disclosure





 


Video of flying in and around KBJC from the FAA - Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) is a medium sized, multi-use airport located 20 miles west of the Denver International Airport. Situated on the northwest edge of the metropolitan area, it provides a convenient alternative to business and general aviation visiting the Denver area. A complex airport layout coupled with the wide diversity of pilot experience and aircraft performance makes Rocky Mountain Metropolitan a challenge to both pilots and controllers. This video prepares pilots for hot spots and common issues at BJC.

Angel Flight West missions flown:

Airport
Mission Count Unique Passenger Count Unique Pilot Count
KBJC 65 40 26

*mission stats from 1/1/2022 to 10/18/2023


Economic Impact

Jobs
Payroll Value Added Business Revenue
4,969 $427.5M $748.6M $1.4B
Source: 2025 Colorado Aviation Economic Impact Study

Rocky Mountain Metro Airport Economic Impact Study