AIRPORT PLANNING STUDIESWhich one is best for my airport?

April 17, 2019

Topics Overview

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TxDOT Aviation Leadership and Sections

TxDOT Aviation Planning Overview

Planning Staff Introduction

Project Request Information

Planning Projects: Overview, Types and Plan Components

TxDOT Aviation Planning Resources

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Overall Project and Funding Tips7

Helpful Resources and Reminders8

TxDOT Aviation Leadership

The Aviation Division helps cities and counties obtain and disburse federal and state funds for general aviation airports

included in the Texas Airport System Plan (TASP).

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TxDOT Aviation Sections

Planning– Call us first, we can put you in the right direction

– Helps with your day-to-day questions about operational and technical questions

– Discuss project and funding requests

– What’s on your Airport Layout Plan (ALP)?

– Compliance questions

Engineering– Any questions during design and construction project

Grants– Any questions about grant paperwork and/or eGrants

– Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP) Manager, Amy Slaughter

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TxDOT Aviation Planning Staff

Environmental Specialist – Amy Foster

Land Acquisition Agent – Julie Fielder

GIS Specialist – Sophia Bradford

Scoping Specialist and Project Manager – Harry Lorton, P.E.

5010 Inspector – Harry Sutherland

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Region Planner Contact

Panhandle Megan McLellan 512-416-4511

DFW Area Bill Macke 512-416-4558

East Texas and Houston Area Kaity Cromwell 512-416-4572

(Almost) Central Texas Area Elaine Alvarado 512-416-4556

Gulf Coast and South Texas Ben Breck 512-416-4555

West Texas Michael Van Vliet 512-416-4534

TxDOT districts

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Dallam Sherman Hansford Ochiltree Lipscomb

Hartley Moore Roberts Hemphill

Oldham Potter Carson Gray Wheeler

Deaf Smith Randall Armstrong DonleyCollings-worth

Parmer Castro Swisher Briscoe Hall

Bailey Lamb Hale Floyd Motley

Dickens King KnoxHockleyLubbock

Crosby

GarzaLynnTerryYoakum

Gaines Dawson Borden Scurry Fisher Jones

Kent Stonewall HaskellThrock-morton

Baylor

Wilbarger Wichita

WICHITAFALLS

Clay

Archer

YoungJack

Howard Mitchell Nolan Taylor Callahan Eastland

Glasscock Sterling Coke Runnels

ReaganIrion

Cooke Grayson Fannin

Lamar

Delta

Red RiverPARIS

Bowie

Wise Denton CollinHunt Hopkins

RainsWood Upshur

Marion

Cass

Titus

Mor

ris

Camp

ATLANTA

Harrison

Smith

VanZandt

Henderson TYLERRusk Panola

AndersonCherokee

Freestone

DallasDALLAS

Rockwall

Palo Pinto

Parker Tarrant

Shelby

SabineHoustonLUFKIN

Angelina

TylerPolk

Trinity

Jasp

er

New

ton

SanJacinto

Walker

Leon

Navarro

Ellis

Hardin

FORTWORTH

Erath

Hood Johnson

Hill

BosqueMc

LennanHamilton

Coryell

Bell

Falls

WACO

RobertsonMadison

MilamBrazos

Grim

es

BurlesonBRYAN

WashingtonLee

Austin

FayetteHarris

Montgomery Liberty

BEAUMONTOrange

Jefferson

ChambersHOUSTON

FortBend

Brazoria

Matagorda

Wharton

Colorado

LavacaGonzales

Dewitt

YOAKUM

Jackson

Victoria

Calhoun

Goliad

Bee Refugio

Karnes

LiveOak

JimWells

SanPatricio

Nueces

CORPUSCHRISTI

Kleberg

Kenedy

Willacy

Hidalgo

BrooksJim

HoggZapata

Starr

PHARR

Duval

Webb

LAREDO

La SalleDimmit

Zavala Frio Atascosa

McMullen

Guadalupe

Wilson

Bexar

MedinaUvalde

Real Bandera

KerrKendall

Gillespie Blanco

Kinney

SANANTONIO

Edwards

Sutton Kimble

Mason LlanoBurnet

Williamson

TravisAUSTIN

BastropHays

CaldwellComal

Brown Comanche

BROWNWOOD

Coleman

Mills

McCulloch

San Saba Lampasas

Concho

Menard

SANANGELO

Schleicher

TomGreen

Andrews Martin

Midland

Pecos

Ector

CraneWard

WinklerLoving

Crockett

Val Verde

Upton

Terrell

ReevesCulberson

Jeff Davis

BrewsterPresidio

Hudspeth

El Paso

EL PASO

ODESSA

LUBBOCK

AMARILLO

ABILENE

Cottle Foard

CHILDRESS

Fran

klin

Cameron

Planning Section Duties

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Capital Improvement Programming and

Planning

Non Primary Entitlement

(NPE) Planning & Project

Development ScopingEnvironmental

Review Land Review

Airport Planning Assistance

Airport Planning Project

ManagerCompliance 5010

InspectionsFAA

Coordination GIS Mapping

Other TxDOT Aviation Planning Initiatives

In addition to helping airports with their individual planning needs, the TxDOT Aviation Planning Department also conducts the following statewide planning initiatives:

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– Statewide Capital Improvement Program

– Texas Airport System Plan Update

– Texas Airport Directory

– Airport Traffic Count Program

– Meteorological Evaluation Towers (MET) Application

– Economic Impact Study

– Rates and Charges Study

– Pavement Condition Surveys

How to Request a Project

As mentioned earlier, project requests start in the planning department.

To be considered for any TxDOT funding program, a Letter of Interest (LOI) must be received from the Sponsor.

Letters of Interest should be addressed to:

Greg Miller, Director of Planning and Programming

125 E. 11th Street

Austin, TX 78701-2483

E-Mail: greg.miller@txdot.gov

*Sending your LOI via e-mail to your planner is also highly recommended

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LOI Elements for Success

Letter of Interest (LOI)

– Letter from Airport Sponsor requesting project or financial assistance for a capital improvement or planning project

Elements of a good LOI include:

– Written on Airport Sponsor’s letterhead

– Brief background or explanation of project need

– Overview of item(s) requested in project

• For example: pavement rehab, lighting upgrades, or fencing

– Pictures and project depiction helpful

• Where is the project located on the airport and where is it in relation to the airport?

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Planning Projects

When Does Your Airport Need One? You don’t know what projects are needed next for the airport, or, you know

the airport needs something but it’s not engineering.

What’s next???? What’s needed for future development?? How can I grow my airport??

Planning time!!!!!!!! There are major benefits of planning studies:

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- Can achieve accurate representation of the airport and a better understanding how to meet future demands that meet FAA requirements. Looks at the “big picture”.

- Conducted by aviation planning professionals…takes the “guesswork” away for airport management and local governments.

Planning Projects - Contact Your Planner

If you’re ready for a planning project, first step is to talk to your planner about the desired outcomes of the study.

Planning projects also require an LOI (funded at 90/10).

Planning studies show eligible improvements based on critical aircraft and fleet mix for facility planning and design standards.

– Why is our critical aircraft and fleet mix important?

– Based Aircraft Forecasts

• 500 Annual Operations?

The FAA does identify planning elements not allowed with FAA funding and considered as planning/management initiatives to be done with airport resources.

Stay Tuned…

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Planning Elements – FAA Ineligible Items

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Planning elements not eligible for FAA funding:

FAA Order 5100.38D

TxDOT Planning Projects

TxDOT Funded Planning Projects Available Airport Action Plan

– Think implementation plan and goal is to have immediate action as soon as plan is completed

– Airport Layout Diagram; 10 year CIP; and can be done in less than 1 year

Airport Development Plan– Focuses on future development needs and layout such as hangars and associated access infrastructure, includes

consideration of drainage and utilities

– Can be done as stand-alone project, but better if combined with Action or Business Plan

Airport Terminal Area Plan– Focuses on improvements needed in immediate terminal building area of the airport

– Usually combined with another plan or done in a Development Plan for smaller airports

Airport Business Plan – not eligible for FAA funds, state funds only

– Marketing Plan; Rates and Charges Analysis (Lease Rates and Market Competitiveness); Minimum Standards and Rules and Regulations Update and Recommendations; and Financial analysis of airport’s operating budget, expenses, and revenue

A mixture of studies can also be done such as an Airport Action and Development Plan with Business Plan.

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Why Airport Planning?

Your planner can help you tailor a plan that best fits the airport’s needs and budget.

Master Plans are most recognizable but there are other great planning studies to consider for your airport.

– A Master Plan is prepared in order for the FAA to have a record of the airport’s forecast, facilities, and more. Master Plan contents are pre-structured and must meet FAA requirements.

Goals and outcomes from planning projects:

– Provide a graphic representation of existing airport features, future airport development and anticipated land use.

– Establish a realistic schedule for implementation of the proposed development.

– Identify a realistic financial plan to support the development.

– Validate the plan technically and procedurally through investigation of concepts and alternatives on technical, economic and environmental grounds.

– Prepare and present a plan to the public that adequately addresses all relevant issues and satisfies local, state and federal regulations.

– Establish a framework for a continuous planning process.

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Not An Approved Message

In other words………Planning = $$$$$$$$$$$ Planning projects are used to develop future engineering projects, use your

plan to:

– Show the improvements visually on your airport

– Study any standards/safety discrepancies and solutions

– Use the plan to help justify your next engineering project

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Airport Project Fund

Note: An approved ALP does not guarantee project funding.

Planning Project Types

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Airport planning studies range in size and function depending on the airport’s facilities and needs.

Each plan should be tailored to fit the individual needs of the airport.

Planning tool and technical plan set :

Illustrates location of existing & planned airport facilities necessary for operation and development of airport

ALP’s are used by the FAA during airspace study review

Airport’s legal requirement, per FAA, to have current ALP and Property Map

For our consultant friends in attendance, the ALP/ALD submittal should include a completed review

checklist (FAA SOP 2.0).

A good choice for airports when:

The airport wants flexibility to focus on specific planning elements (in a non-structured way)

Planned development not depicted within existing Master Plan or ALP (within reason)

No major changes in airport activity or improvements

Provides similar outcome and process as Airport Master Plan.

A comprehensive airport study for long-term development. May be a good choice for an airport when:

The airport has an existing master plan that is outdated

There have been major changes in airport activity or improvements

Other planning study types not best fit for airport’s planning needs

More common for commercial airports and larger GA airports.

Airport Layout Plan (ALP) ALP Update with Narrative Report Airport Master Plan

Airport Plan Components

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Element Description ALP Updatewith Narrative

MasterPlan

Inventory What do you have on your airport?

Forecast What is the current & future demand? Approved by FAA, submitted to TxDOT first

Facility Requirements What facilities are needed now & what is needed to meet future demand?

Development of Alternatives Options of proposed improvements and layouts. Optional

Capital Improvement Plan Project list identifying airport’s capital needs and project timing.

Financial Assessment How will these projects be funded? Optional

Environmental Considerations Environmental impact awareness and overview for future projects. Optional

Public Involvement Program Airport open house and workshopsPlanning Advisory Committee

Airport Layout Plan or Diagram Update

Depicts the overall picture of recommendations (current and future). Airspaced by FAA, submitted to TxDOT first

Sample ALP

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Planning Projects - CIP & Airport Funding Priorities

A Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) shows project needs for the airport in ranges: – Short term (0-5 years)

– Mid term (6-10 years)

– Long term (11-20 years)

Projects have a priority, the FAA works from the runway out –– Safety first – it’s all about the airport user!

– Airside pavements such as runway, taxiway, and apron have highest priority and justification for funding

– Revenue generating projects such as hangars and fuel farms have lowest priority

– Funding is limited for hangar and fuel farm projects• The airport can only use NPE to fund hangars and fuel farms (saving up to 4 years)

• After revenue producing project, only able to use NPE for 3 years following revenue producing project

• Worth the wait of 7 years?

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The Plan is Selected, What’s Next?

•Identify a plan that best fits the airport’s needs and budget (we can help) •Airport & TxDOT have a clear understanding of the issues that have defined the need for the study before advertisement

Develop Study Objectives

•Budget and Programming•Project Implementation Meeting•Texas Transportation Commission approval•Request for Qualifications advertisement

TxDOT Aviation Project Development

•Assign members to the local consultant selection committee•3-5 people within Airport and City/County management•Committee members with an understanding of the airport and/or planning is highly recommended

•Based on qualifications presented, committee selects consultant firm to conduct planning project

Consultant Selection

•Usually consists of 7-14 people that have an interest in the airport, and most importantly, can help the airport with implementation after the study

•Airport management and staff, City/County management, economic development, and based businesses at the airport for instance

•These committee members attend planning meetings conducted during the project and have a hand in developing the plan’s outcome

Form Planning Advisory Committee

•The completed study will be provided as a technical report and ALD (or ALP set)•The Planning Advisory Committee works with the consultant team through the planning project elements, which become chapters in the study

Conduct Study

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Planning Section Resources

In addition to planning projects, the Planning Section can provide assistance and resources, including:

– ALP pen-and-ink revisions

– Obstruction and Aerial Survey coordination

– Assistance with public outreach and coordination

– Compliance questions and concerns

– Pavement evaluation and inspection

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Project and Funding Success

The planning section assists airports with all project requests:

Tips for Overall Project and Funding Success

Long-term planning and continuous communication with TxDOT will be your best friend– We are still funding at least 3 years out from request unless the airport

has NPE that can be used

– Ask your planner about your NPE availability

– Phasing out the project is a possibility too

Schedule an on-site visit or planning meeting

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Helpful Resources and Reminders

Your friends at TxDOT Aviation (shameless plug), Airport Consultants, and Fellow Airport Managers!

– Don’t forget RAMP!

FAA Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration (Air Space Study)

– Form 7460-1 (online) -- Done before construction of hangars, fences, and so on

Communicate changing airport conditions with NOTAMs

– Flight Services NOTAM line:1-877-4-US-NTMS (1-877-487-6867)

Keep your based aircraft current (www.basedaircraft.com)

– Keeping the based aircraft information updated is important and helps our office to justify projects and funding.

TxDOT Aviation Website (www.txdot.gov)

– Sample rules and regulations, electronic Airport Directory, and project and funding documents

FAA Website (www.faa.gov)

– Advisory Circulars, Compliance information, AIP Handbook, and more

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (www.aopa.org)

– Great airport management information

Airport Cooperative Research Program (www.trb.org/ACRP)

– Funded by FAA and reports available to help airports in many areas

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Questions? Comments?

For additional assistance:

Contact the Aviation Division

1-800-68PILOT

Thank you for everything that you do!

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