1Airport Planning

The planning of an airport is such a complex process that the analysis of one activity without regard to its effects on other activities will not provide acceptable solutions.

An airport encompasses a wide range of activities which have different and often conflicting requirements. Yet they are interdependent so that a single activity may limit the capacity of the entire complex.

2Airport PlanningTypes and levels of Airport Planning Studies

Many different types of studies are performed in aviation and airport planning.

These include studies related to facility planning, financial planning, traffic and markets, economics, and the environment.

However, each of these studies can usually be classified as being performed at one of the three levels: the system planning level, the master planning level, or the project planning level.

3Airport PlanningThe Airport System Plan

An airport system plan is a representation of the aviation facilities required to meet the immediate and future needs of a metropolitan area, region, state, or country.

The system plan represents the recommendations for the general location and characteristics of new airports and heliports and the nature of expansion for existing ones to meet forecasts of aggregate demand.

The system plan identifies the aviation role of existing and recommended new airports and facilities. It includes the timing and estimated costs of development, and it relates airport system planning to the policy and objectives of the relevant jurisdiction.

4Airport PlanningThe Airport System Plan (cont..)

Its overall purpose is to determine the extent, type, nature, location, and timing of airport development needed to establish a viable, balanced, and integrated system of airports. It also provides the basis for definitive and detailed airport planning such as that contained in the airport master plan.

The airport system plan provides both broad and specific policies, plans, and programs required to establish a viable and integrated system of airports to meet the needs of the region.

5Airport PlanningThe Airport System Plan (cont)

The objectives of the system plan include:

The orderly and timely development of a system of airports adequate to meet present and future aviation needs and to promote the desired pattern of regional growth relative to industrial, employment, social, environmental, and recreational goals.

The development of aviation to meet its role in a balanced and multimodal transportation system and to foster the overall goals of the area as reflected in the transportation system plan and comprehensive development plan.

The protection and enhancement of the environment through the location and expansion of aviation facilities in a manner which avoids ecological and environmental impairment.

6Airport PlanningThe Airport System Plan (cont)

The objectives of the system plan include: The provision of the framework within which specific airport

programs may be developed consistent with short- and long-range airport system requirements.

The implementation of land-use and airspace plans which optimize these resources in an often constrained environment.

The development of long-range fiscal plans and the establishment of priorities for airport financing within the government budgeting process.

The establishment of the mechanism for the implementation of the system plan through the normal political framework, including the necessary coordination between governmental agencies, involvement of both public and private aviation and navigation interests, and compatibility with the content, standards, and criteria of existing legislation.

7Airport PlanningThe Airport Master Plan

An airport master plan is a concept of the ultimate development of a specific airport. The plan presents the development concept graphically and contains the data and rationale upon which the plan is based.

Master plans and master plan updates are prepared to support modernization of existing airports and the creation of new airports.

The overall objective of the airport master plan is to provide guidelines for future development which will satisfy aviation demand in a financially feasible manner and will be compatible with the environment, community development, and other modes of transportation.

8Airport PlanningThe Airport Master Plan (cont)

More specifically it is a guide for: Developing the physical facilities of an

airport. Developing land on and adjacent to the

airport. Determining the environmental effects of

airport construction and operations. Establishing access requirements.

9Airport PlanningThe Airport Master Plan (cont)

More specifically it is a guide for: (cont..) Establishing the technical, economic, and financial

feasibility of proposed developments through a thorough investigation of alternative concepts.

Establishing a schedule of priorities and phasing for the improvements proposed in the plan

Establishing an achievable financial plan to support the implementation schedule

Establishing a continuing planning process which will monitor conditions and adjust plan recommendations as circumstances warrant.

10

Airport PlanningThe Airport Project Plan

An airport project plan is a detailed plan of the specific development planned in the immediate future for an airport.

The project plan focuses on specific elements of the airport master plan which are to be implemented in the short term and which may include such items as the addition of new runway, modification of existing runways, provision of taxiways or taxiway exits, addition of gates, addition to or renovation of terminal building facilities, or modification of ground access facilities.

The overall objectives of the airport project plan is to provide the specific details of the development identified in the airport master plan that will satisfy immediate aviation needs and will be consistent with the objectives and constraints identifies in the airport master plan.

11

Airport PlanningThe Airport Project Plan (cont)

More specifically, the project plan is a detailed plan for:

Developing the specific physical facilities at an airport including the architectural and engineering design for these facilities.

Assessing the environmental effects of this development through the construction and operational phases

Determining the detailed costs and financially planning the development

Establishing a schedule for the construction and phasing of the specific items of development in the plan.

12

Elements of an Airport Planning Study Coordination

Airport planning efforts draw widespread interest from citizens, community organizations airport users, area-wide planning agencies, and conservation groups.

If these groups are not used in a coordinated, consultative, advisory role at critical stages in the plan development, the plan will likely be unsuccessful when it is presented to the public.

Interested parties should be brought in early in the plan development and should be given access to all relevant information.

This process allows vital issues and concerns to be raised and resolved in the planning process and often assists in ultimate acceptance of the plan.

13

Elements of an Airport Planning Study (cont) Content

The content of an airport plan varies in both level of detail and specific requirements depending upon the type of planning effortundertaken.

However, the system plan and master plan should include at leastthe following elements: An inventory of existing airport facilities, current conditions,

and issues related to the airport, and an identification of other planning studies which may impact the airport plan.

The demand forecast including aircraft operations, number of passengers, volume and cargo and mail, and vehicular traffic. The forecast must be made not only on an annual basis but also for the busiest hours of the day.

an analysis of interaction between the demand parameters and the capacity of the relevant facilities.

the development of alternative concepts and solutions to reasonably satisfy forecasted demand. An examination of alternative sites, including land-use and ground access plans, and development concepts is essential for the proper consideration and identification of viable alternatives.

14

Elements of an Airport Planning Study (cont) Content (cont)

the determination of the cost effectiveness of alternative concepts and recommended solutions, including both tangible and intangible benefits and costs.

a financial feasibility analysis which differs from economic feasibility, for there is no guarantee that if a proposed development is economically feasible, it is also feasible to finance that development.

the environmental impact of alternative concepts and recommended solutions must be considered and incorporated into the cost effectiveness analysis.

the preparation of implementation schedules and costs and sources of revenue for the various phases of proposed development.

15

Airport Site Selection The individual who undertakes the selection of a site suitable

for new airports must first establish certain criteria which will guide the determination of its proper location and size. The location of an airport is influenced by the following: Type of development of the surrounding area Atmospheric conditions Accessibility to ground transport Availability of land for expansion Presence of other airports and availability of airspace in the

area Surrounding obstructions Economy of construction Availability of utilities, and Proximity to aeronautical demand

16

Continuous Planning Process A continuous airport system planning process is needed to

respond to the needs of air transportation in a changing environment.

Changes in aviation demand, community policies, new technology, financial constraints, and other factors can alter the need for and the timing of facility improvements.

Current data must be continually collected and assessed regarding airport needs, operations and utilization, environmental impact, and financial capabilities.

The staging of airport improvements assists in the reevaluation of continuing needs at the points when implementation decisions are required.

In the airport system planning process, the overall objective ofestablishing and maintaining a continuous airport planning process is to ensure that the airport system plan remains responsive to public needs.

17

Continuous Planning Process

Specific objectives associated with the continuous airport system planning process include the following: Surveillance, maintenance, inventory, update of the basic

data, such as aviation capacity, and socioeconomic and environmental factors relating to the existing airport system plan

Review and validation of data affecting the airport system plan

Reappraisal of the airport system plan in view of changing conditions

Modification of airport system plan to retain its validity Development of a continuous mechanism for ensuring the

interchange of information between the system planning and master planning processes

18

Continuous Planning Process

Specific objectives: (cont)

Provision of a means for receiving and considering public comment in order to maintain and ensure public awareness of the role that airports play in the transportation system of an area

Redefinition of air transportation goals and policies Integration of airport system planning into a multimodal

planning process Analysis of special issues Publication of interim reports and formal plan updates

Airport PlanningAirport PlanningTypes and levels of Airport Planning StudiesAirport PlanningThe Airport System PlanAirport PlanningThe Airport System Plan (cont..)Airport PlanningThe Airport System Plan (cont)Airport PlanningThe Airport System Plan (cont)Airport PlanningThe Airport Master PlanAirport PlanningThe Airport Master Plan (cont)Airport PlanningThe Airport Master Plan (cont)Airport PlanningThe Airport Project PlanAirport PlanningThe Airport Project Plan (cont)Elements of an Airport Planning StudyElements of an Airport Planning Study (cont)Elements of an Airport Planning Study (cont)Airport Site SelectionContinuous Planning ProcessContinuous Planning ProcessContinuous Planning Process