Patrick Sullivan, P.E.

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BEST PRACTICES PLANNING AIRPORTS FOR BUSINESS
JETS

• Patrick Sullivan, P.E.
• Federal Aviation Administration
• Eastern Regional Planning Conference
• December 1, 2004

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INTRODUCTION

• Best practices are not requirements, they are
  just good ideas that work
• The subject best practices (currently in draft
  final) supplement the guidance provided in AC
  150/5300-13 (Airport Design), AC 150/5070-6
  (Airport Master Plans), and FAA Order 5100.38B
  (AIP Handbook)
• The AC and orders govern in the event of any
  conflict

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REASONS FOR THIS GUIDANCE-I

• Forecasted increase in business jet fleet due to
  fractional ownership introduction of new models
  diversion of some demand from air carriers
• The FAA Aerospace Forecasts-Fiscal Year
  2004-2015 document shows (H/O)
• 38 actual growth in general aviation turbojet
  fleet (6066 to 8355) from 1998 to 2002
• 15,510 G.A.turbojets in 2015 (85 forecast growth
  from 2002)
• Much slower growth or decline forecast for other
  G.A. aircraft

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REASONS FOR THIS GUIDANCE-II

• Introduction of micro-jets (less than 12,500
  MGTW) opens whole range of new airports to
  business jets
• Introduction of D.G. III business jets (e.g. BBJ)
  impacts design standards in general aviation
  areas
• Other industry changes that could foster business
  jet use availability of additional instrument
  approaches (satellite navigation) AIP
  non-primary funding

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WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR AIRPORTS?

• Airports with 3000 foot long runways may be
  attractive to micro-jets
• Increased demand for hangars
• Increased demand for new approaches
• Increased demand for services-FBO, ground
  support, car rentals, pilot/passenger lounges
• More attention to field maintenance-snow removal,
  sweeping
• Increased public sensitivity toward airports
• In some cases, changes in airport design
  standards due to more demanding aircraft

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CONTENTS OF BEST PRACTICES DOCUMENT-I

• TEXT includes discussion on
• Aircraft Characteristics
• Role of aviation system planning, including
  factors in setting development priorities
• Public education on characteristics of business
  jets
• Process to follow when planning for instrument
  approach procedures at an airport including
• Factors to consider in determining approach
  justification
• BCA procedures
• Design improvements for safety and efficiency

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CONTENTS OF BEST PRACTICES DOCUMENT-II

• Table 1 (currently in draft) Business Jet
  Characteristics (H/O)
• Aircraft Manufacturer and Model
• Fleet Size, ARC, MGTW
• Comparative T.O/Landing Lengths
• FAA Characteristics Database (Work in Progress)
• Detailed information on specific aircraft
• FAA Airports AC Web page WWW.faa.gov/arp/150acs.
  cfm
• Table 2- Listing (currently in draft) of items
  that should be considered in planning airports
  for business jets (H/O)

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PLANNING ISSUES

• Facilities are planned based on critical
  aircraft (or family of aircraft) that use the
  airport on a regular basis
• Regular basis means 500 annual itinerant
  operations
• Regular basis supported by either current demand
  or reasonably forecasted use (with letters of
  support)
• Runway lengths should be determined on case by
  case basis using AC 150/5325-4A (being updated)
• Approach procedures and minima developed on
  case-by-case basis considering user needs and
  land use conditions

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MAJOR ISSUES NOT DISCUSSED IN DRAFT BEST PRACTICE
DOCUMENT

• Issue of planning and design for Approach
  Category B vs. Approach Category C business jet
  aircraft. This issue has planning, standards
  and AIP eligibility implications and needs
  further discussion within FAA.

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ADMINISTRATION

• These best practices are modeled after guidance
  developed by FAA regional Airports offices in
  Kansas City and Atlanta
• Initial draft was coordinated within FAA
  (regional Airports divisions and headquarters
  Airports divisions)
• Draft document was reviewed by these aviation
  organizations AAAE ACC ACI-NA AOPA GAMA
  NASAO NBAA
• Expect to incorporate in draft Airport Master
  Planning AC

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QUESTIONS

• Patrick Sullivan
• Phone [phone]
• Email patrick.sullivan_at_faa.gov