Small Aircraft
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 1
Communication Breakdown
Conflict Airborne Conflict
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance
Airport; Airspace Structure
Aircraft X approached the airport; in the departure corridor; toward the final; at 105; showing a 270 kt ground speed; not talking to ATC; they ended up turning away from a first Aircraft Y on final; Aircraft Z; a second RJ; had to be re-vectored away and was delayed; Aircraft X was directly opposite direction to Aircraft A at the same altitude. The Controller transmitted on emergency frequency to contact ATC; the pilot called local and was controlled away from traffic.ASE needs controlled airspace to require two way radio communication with aircraft in the departure and arrival corridors. Due to the nature of terrain around Aspen; the constraints on aircraft performance and maneuverability; it is vital that controllers have the ability to talk to VFR aircraft flying close to Aspens arrival and departure traffic to mitigate conflict and ensure safety. Giving a VFR the option to not talk to ATC and fly close to Aspen is an unnecessary risk to the users. The notation on the VFR map can be missed or ignored and is not good enough. Aspen needs a Class C.
ASE TRACON/TOWER Controller reported an airborne conflict between IFR and VFR aircraft. Controller suggested ASE should be a Class C airspace to keep VFR and IFR separated in the ASE departure and arrival corridors by requiring two way radio communication.