Combining Mixed Use Flight Operations Safely At Airports

Combining Mixed-use Flight Operations Safely at Airports

The basic premise behind an airport being open to the public is that the airport will make reasonable accommodations for all types of aeronautical activities. Safety, of course, is paramount. Mixed-use aeronautical activity requires the public-use airport to accommodate all comers in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sponsor assurances. The different categories of aircraft can include gliders, helicopters, ultralight vehicles, balloons, airships, blimps, skydiving, aerial applications for agriculture and firefighting, banner towing, aerobatic practice, and similar flight operations. Unmanned aircraft systems and radio-controlled model aircraft activity that take place on an airport can become part of the mix of an airport&#x;s operation. Not included in this report are seaplane operations; a separate report is referenced. In accommodating mixed-use operations, an airport is challenged in two ways&#x;with operational accommodation in the local airspace and runway environment, and with ground operational and logistical accommodation on the airfield. This report is intended to serve as an informative document for those airport operators and policymakers who seek information about how other airports have safely accommodated mixed-use flight activity on their airport. Information used in this study was acquired through a review of the literature and interviews with airport operators and industry experts. Case examples are presented to illustrate the experiences of airport operators in accommodating users safely and efficiently. The information in this report helps an airport operator to understand better the operational characteristics and needs of the various mixed aeronautical uses, especially for airports without air traffic control tower operation (i.e., uncontrolled airports).

Annual Report of Progress

Practical Airport Operations, Safety, and Emergency Management

Practical Airport Operations, Safety, and Emergency Management: Protocols for Today and the Future focuses on the airport itself, not the aircraft, manufacturers, designers, or even the pilots. The book explores the safety of what's been called 'the most expensive piece of pavement in any city'— the facility that operates, maintains, and ensures the safety of millions of air passengers every year. The book is organized into three helpful sections, each focusing on one of the sectors described in the title. Section One: Airport Safety, explores the airport environment, then delves into safety management systems. Section Two: Airport Operations, continues the conversation on safety management systems before outlining airside and landside operations in depth, while Section Three: Airport Emergency Management, is a careful, detailed exploration of the topic, ending with a chapter on the operational challenges airport operations managers can expect to face in the future. Written by trusted experts in the field, users will find this book to be a vital resource that provides airport operations managers and students with the information, protocols, and strategies they need to meet the unique challenges associated with running an airport. - Addresses the four areas of airport management: safety, operations, emergency management, and future challenges together in one book - Written by leading professionals in the field with extensive training, teaching, and practical experience in airport operations - Includes section on future challenges, including spaceport, unmanned aerial vehicles, and integrated incident command - Ancillary materials for readers to reinforce concepts and instructors teaching operations courses - Focuses on the topics of safety, operations, emergency management, and what personnel and students studying the topic can expect to face in the future