Development of a Guidebook for Managing Small Airports (2009)

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ACRP Web-Only Document 5: Development of a Guidebook for Managing Small Airports APPENDIX B: SURVEY AIRPORT COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM PROJECT 01-01 GUIDEBOOK FOR MANAGING SMALL AIRPORTS SURVEY The Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) is developing a guidebook for managing small airports. To obtain information about current practices, identify concerns and challenges for small airports, and gather ideas for successfully addressing those challenges, the ACRP is conducting this survey of airport managers across the nation. INSTRUCTIONS Please complete this survey with information from your most current fiscal year. You may send supporting documentation for responses as needed. The information provided will be used to develop a Guidebook for Managing Small Airports, to be distributed around the county. Survey respondents will be sent a Guidebook directly, free of charge. Thank you very much for your participation. Your response is vitally important to providing a useful and comprehensive document. Please complete this survey by July 29, 2007 Person Completing the Survey: ______________________________________________ Position: __________________________ Phone Number: _______________________ Address: Name of Airport ______________________________ Airport Identifier: _______________ 29

ACRP Web-Only Document 5: Development of a Guidebook for Managing Small Airports A. Governance 1. Which of the following best describes the ownership structure and direct management structure of your airport? Ownership Structure (check one) Direct Management (check one) City owned Airport Manager County owned FBO/Manager Airport authority Public Works Director Joint powers agreement Airport Commission Privately owned Groundskeeper Other ___________ Unattended Other ___________ 2. Do you have an advisory board / commission that reports to a higher governing authority? ___ Yes ___ No B. Safety 1. Which practices do you employ as part of your airports safety program? ___ Daily safety and self inspection program ___ Regular field condition reporting (NOTAMS) ___ Aviation Fuel Quality Control Program ___ Tenant Safety Meetings ___ Preventive Maintenance Program ___ Airfield Safety Rules and Regulations ___ Regular self inspections of airfield systems and navigational aids ___ Safety Signage ___ Employee Safety Program ___ None of the above 2. Have you addressed access or other issues as they relate to airport safety? If so, describe: C. Security 1. Rank each of these according to their importance as the most realistic security threat(s) to your airport (1 being most important, 6 being least important) ___ Terrorism ___ Vandalism ___ Theft 30

ACRP Web-Only Document 5: Development of a Guidebook for Managing Small Airports ___ Accidental airfield incursions by public ___ Wildlife ___ Unreasonable response time from local authorities 2. Is airport security a priority for the tenants on your airport? ___ Yes ___ No ___ Do not know 3. Indicate on the list below which of the following security measures you have in place or are planned at your airport, and those you would like to have in place at your airport: Security Measure In place Would like to have Security gates and fences Closed circuit TV/cameras AOPA GA Secure Airport Program Card Reader access systems Security signage Written security plan 4. Describe some of the issues, challenges or obstacles you experience directly related to airport security: D. Planning and Grant Procurement 1. What is the approximate gap between the total project dollar costs required to meet your airports Capital Improvement Program (CIP) over the next five years and available funding? ________ <$100,000 ________ $100,000 – 250,000 ________ $250,001 – 500,000 ________ $500,001 – 1,000,000 ________ $1,000,001 – 2,500,000 ________ $2,500,001 – 5,000,000 ________ >$5,000,000 31

ACRP Web-Only Document 5: Development of a Guidebook for Managing Small Airports 2. Do you have access to resources for implementing the CIP, such as funding, staffing, approvals, permitting? ___ Yes ___ No ___ Do not know 3. Who produces your Airport Master Plan? ___ Airport Manager ___ City/County Engineer/Planner ___ Consultant ___ Other _______________________________________________________ 5. Describe some of the issues or challenges you experience regarding planning and CIP development: E. Airspace and Approaches 1. Does your airport have current zoning standards that meet local, state and FAA Part 77 requirements? ___ Yes ___ No ___ Do not know 2. Is the airport zoning effort coordinated with local zoning ordinances/regulations? ___ Yes ___ No ___ Do not know 3. Are the airport zones described in local community land use planning documents to prevent non-compatible land uses? ___ Yes ___ No ___ Do not know 4. Describe any concerns you have about zoning or protection of airspace around your airport: 32

ACRP Web-Only Document 5: Development of a Guidebook for Managing Small Airports F. Maintenance 1. Who maintains the NAVAIDs at your airport? ___ Airport Staff ___ City/County ___ FAA ___ FBO ___ Contracted ___ Other, please describe: __________________________ 2. What is the biggest maintenance priority and expense on your airport? _________________________________________________________________ 3. What is your preferred source of information for airport maintenance requirements, equipment, and strategies? ___ FAA Advisory Circulars ___ Trade Publications ___ Internet Sources ___ Conferences and Trade Shows ___ Word of Mouth ___ State Department of Transportation/Office of Aeronautics ___ Other, please describe: ______________________________________ 4. Describe the specific challenges you face in addressing airport maintenance issues: 5. Describe any Best Management Practices (BMPs) that you use in addressing maintenance issues, such as mowing, wildlife control, erosion, vegetation management, lighting, pavement maintenance, etc: G. Leasing and Use Agreements 1. Does your airport enforce building codes or minimum standards for aeronautical activities for airport development projects? ___ Yes ___ No ___ Do not know 33

ACRP Web-Only Document 5: Development of a Guidebook for Managing Small Airports 2. What information would be most useful in assisting you with airport lease preparation? ___ Rates and charges data ___ Standard Insurance requirements ___ Non-Exclusive Rights and Minimum Standards formulization ___ Permitted uses in leased spaces ___ Standard Terms and Conditions ___ Land Lease Terms ___ Building Codes ___ Other _______________________________________________________ 3. Do you have a standard lease agreements for varying categories of lease use, such as commercial, non-commercial, agricultural use, etc? ___ Yes ___ No ___ Do not know 4. Describe any incentives you use to initiate and foster new business: _____________________________________________________________________________ H. Development and Construction Standards 1. Do you currently utilize and issue an airfield safety / security manual to the contractors for each airport construction project? ___ Yes ___ No ___ Do not know 2. Do you involve tenants, emergency services, etc. at your pre-construction meetings? ___ Yes ___ No ___ Occasionally I. Finance and Revenue Generation 1. What is your current airport operating budget? ________ <$100,000 ________ $100,000 – 250,000 ________ $250,001 – 500,000 ________ $500,001 – 1,000,000 ________ $1,000,001 – 2,500,000 ________ $2,500,001 – 5,000,000 ________ >$5,000,000 34

ACRP Web-Only Document 5: Development of a Guidebook for Managing Small Airports 2. Check your airports primary sources of revenue: ___ Tax Subsidy ___ Commercial Land Leases /Rent ___ T-hangar Lease Agreements ___ Private Hangar Land Lease ___ Agricultural Land Lease ___ Terminal Concession Rents ___ Fuel Flowage ___ Landing/Ramp Fees ___ Other: _____________________________________ 3. Describe any unusual or non-standard method of revenue generation used at your airport. ____________________________________________________________________________ 4. Does your airport utilize available airport federal or state grant assistance? ___ Yes ___ No ___ Do not know 5. Describe any challenges you face in the area of airport financing: 6. Share any ideas you have on innovative airport financing: 7. What is your airport’s outlook for attracting additional sources of revenue? ___ Good ___ Fair ___ No foreseen change in the next 5 years ___ Do not know J. Public Relations 1. Does your airport utilize a marketing plan? ___ Yes ___ No ___ Do not know 35

ACRP Web-Only Document 5: Development of a Guidebook for Managing Small Airports 2. Check any marketing techniques currently utilized by your airport ___ Airport Newsletter ___ Website ___ Airport Events ___ Pilot Meetings ___ Print Advertising ___ Radio Advertising ___ Community Education ___ Tours ___ Other, Please Describe _____________________________________ 3. Are you satisfied with the perception of your airport in the community? ___ Yes ___ No ___ Do not know 4. Does your airport struggle to remain open against local opposition? ___ Yes ___ No ___ Not sure 5. Have you attempted to improve your airport’s standing in the community, with tools such as newspaper articles, open houses, allowing community use of your airport facilities, etc? ___ Yes, please describe how: _________________________ ___ No 6. Describe any other challenges that you face in marketing your airport to the local community: 7. Describe any success stories you’d like to share relating to marketing your airport: K. Environmental Considerations 1. Does your airport have a current plan for managing stormwater runoff and a pollution prevention plan? ___ Yes ___ No 36

ACRP Web-Only Document 5: Development of a Guidebook for Managing Small Airports 2. Do you utilize any chemicals for airfield maintenance, vegetation control, snow removal, or aircraft de-icing? ___ Yes, please describe: _______________________________ ___ No 3. On average, how many noise complaints does your airport receive per year? ___ <10 ___ 11-25 ___ 26-50 ___ >50 4. Does your airport have standard procedures for noise mitigation? ___ Yes ___ No Please describe:_________________________________________________________ 5. Do wetlands inhibit your airport development? ___ Yes ___ No 6. Describe any environmental challenges that are important to you (such as permitting, crop sprayers, wash areas, etc.) L. Training and Management Resources 1. What is your preferred source of airport training and management resources? ___ FAA Advisory Circulars ___ Trade Publications ___ Internet ___ Conferences and Trade Shows ___ State Aeronautics Departments ___ FAA District Offices Personnel ___ Word of Mouth ___ Do not know ___ Other Please describe ________________________________________________________ 2. How do you initially train a new airport maintenance employee? ___ Informal on the job training with experienced airport staff ___ Formal ( curriculum / testing) on the job training with experienced airport staff ___ Rely on city / county maintenance experience only ___ Rely on contracted maintenance 37

ACRP Web-Only Document 5: Development of a Guidebook for Managing Small Airports ___ Utilize national, state, consulting, etc. maintenance training programs ___ Do not train new employees M. Regulatory Compliance 1. Check the procedures you utilize for documenting regulatory concerns on your airport: ___ Incident reports ___ Accident reports ___ Training / documentation ___ Maintenance logs ___ NOTAM logs ___ Other ________________________________________________________ 2. How often do you perform airfield inspections? ___ Once each Quarter ___ Once a Month ___ Once a Week ___ Once each day ___ At least twice each day ___ Other _______________________________________________________ N. Compliance with Grant Conditions 1. Are the Federal and State grant assurance requirements reflected in your airport lease agreements? ___ Yes ___ No ___ Do not know 2. Are the grant assurances readily available for review by management, governing authority, tenants, etc.? ___ Yes ___ No ___ Do not know O. Emergency Procedures 1. Does your airport have a current Airport Emergency Plan? ___ Yes ___ No ___ Do not know 38

ACRP Web-Only Document 5: Development of a Guidebook for Managing Small Airports 2. Does your airport conduct regularly scheduled familiarization tours, drills, tabletop exercises, reviews and emergency exercises with all responding emergency agencies? ___ Yes ___ No ___ Do not know 3. Describe your concerns with Airport Emergencies and Emergency Preparedness: _________________________________________________________________ 4. Share any best practices that you use to prepare for emergencies at your airport: _________________________________________________________________ CLOSING INFORMATION 1. What is your biggest challenge in airport management? 2. What specific topics would you find of most value in a guidebook for small airports? 3. What are the more innovative methods used in airport management in your jurisdiction or other communities you know of? 4. What is your preferred way of obtaining information and assistance? ___ Internet or web based ___ written documents ___ meetings ___ networking groups ___ online bulletin boards or discussion groups ___ professional conferences ___ courses ___ other, please describe: __________________________ 39

ACRP Web-Only Document 5: Development of a Guidebook for Managing Small Airports 40 5 What professional organizations do you belong to? ______ American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) ______ Airport Council International – North America ______ Aircraft Owners and Pilot’s Association (AOPA) ______ other, please list: ____________________________________ Thank you again for your time in completing this survey. Researchers may follow up with respondents who have successfully addressed current challenges, to further clarify responses and information for inclusion in the guidebook. For additional comments or concerns, email ______________________________. The published Guide will be sent directly to all survey respondents. Please indicate below if you are available for follow-up questions. _____ I may be contacted with any follow up information that the survey team may need. Phone number: _____________________________