Last Mile in General Aviation—Courtesy Vehicles and Other Forms of Ground Transportation (2020)

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11 Modes of Transportation The research and survey responses identified several modes of transportation for general aviation airports. The size of community usually dictates the number of alternatives with larger communities obviously possessing more options. Many general aviation airports have decided to provide a courtesy vehicle for visiting pilots. Rental vehicle service and TNC options were the next two most popular alternatives for ground transportation. Courtesy Vehicles A wide variety of vehicles are utilized across the nation’s general aviation airports serving as courtesy vehicles. Geographically challenged areas may require specific types of vehicles, such as all-wheel-drive capability for winter conditions. Vehicle size varies depending on how many individuals need to be transported at one time. Vehicle age also varies; however, many of the courtesy vehicles in use tend to be older, retired, or surplus vehicles from city, county, or state departments. Many cite the ability to obtain these vehicles at an inexpensive rate to provide the service. The courtesy vehicles are generally procured and maintained by the airport sponsor or FBO, but occasionally private businesses or donors may provide the courtesy vehicle. Rental Vehicles General aviation airports may also have access to rental vehicle services through national or local rental agencies such as Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and so on. These agencies may be located on airport property, but typically the rental agencies in smaller communities are located away from the airport. This often requires an arrangement between the airport and the agency to provide rental services for visiting pilots. Peer-to-peer car rental may be an alternative available in some locations that allows car owners to post their own vehicles on an app-based platform that can then be rented to users. TNC Service One mode of transportation becoming more popular is TNCs (e.g., Uber, Lyft). These services are typically located in larger communities. Mid-sized to smaller communities stated the inability to obtain these services on a consistent basis because of the limited operations in their areas. C H A P T E R 3 Ground Transportation Alternatives and Findings at General Aviation Airports

12 Last Mile in General Aviation—Courtesy Vehicles and Other Forms of Ground Transportation Taxi Service Many general aviation communities support taxi services providing services to and from the airport for pilots and passengers. However, in some cases, higher rates, inconsistency, long waits, and lack of cleanliness were deterrents for the airport community to support the taxi services, and they would prefer other modes of transportation. Shuttle Service, Limousine Service, and Hotel Shuttle Service Shuttle services may be provided by community businesses as well as hotel shuttles. Typically, these modes of transportation are self-serving the businesses and transport from the airport to a specific destination. Limousine services are generally precoordinated in advance and tend to serve a specific service for individuals. Public Transit General aviation communities may have access to a form of public transportation such as a bus or van line service. The service generally may not extend to the airport unless the airport sponsor or FBO works with the company to provide the service to the airport (depending on demand). There are a number of programs implementing micro transit solutions that aim to support public transit by offering flexible smaller scale alternatives. This typically involves the use of on demand large vans and minibuses that may not be used exclusively on fixed routes. Micro transit options appear to be more predominantly located in urban areas but may provide alter- natives for smaller markets. Private Business Providers There are several instances of a private business or individual providing the transportation service or providing a courtesy vehicle for the airport customer’s use. Private individuals or pilot groups have procured and provided vehicles for such purposes. Bicycles Bicycles are also a unique and healthy alternative for transportation at airports. There are programs initiated by health industries and police departments who have donated bicycles to airports. The Idaho Aviation Association developed a Borrow-A-Bike Program (Figure 5). It was initiated by pilots donating used bicycles, but because of maintenance liability and the desire to standardize the bicycles, only new bicycles are now purchased and provided. Typically, three-speed, unisex, large seats are the preferred purchase. Storage sheds are constructed onsite for the bicycles and may range in size. Average construction cost is estimated at $7,500. In 2019, nine airports were participating in the program. A suggested donation of $5.00 is proposed to assist with annual maintenance costs with an estimated payback of 15 years. Information may be found at www.idahoaviation.com/bikes. Primary Connectivity Demand by Ground Transportation at General Aviation Airports There are many reasons that pilots and passengers utilize general aviation airports (Figure 6). Sometimes it may be for a quick stop for fuel, a weather check, or to take a break. But what if they need to go to town for a meal, attend a business meeting, or take the family to an event,

Ground Transportation Alternatives and Findings at General Aviation Airports 13 and there are no ground transportation options? Airports need a way to provide last mile connectivity to the communities that they serve. The survey respondents weighed in on what they see as ground transportation needs at their airport. The highest needs identified for ground transportation were business (84.4 per- cent), dining (78.1 percent), and lodging (59.4 percent), among others (Question 26). There are potentially countless reasons why people choose to fly into a community. Without a way to town, they may find themselves stranded at the airport or choose to bypass the community all together in favor of one that has an airport with ground transportation alternatives. Airport Self-Assessment of Ground Transportation Needs Airports may benefit from an intentional process of evaluating what types of ground trans- portation needs may be compatible with the mission and values of the airport and also serve the community interest. This process may involve both internal and external community Figure 5. Borrow-A-Bike Program developed by Idaho Aviation Association. (Source: Idaho Aviation Association.) 0.0 3.0 6.0 8.0 9.0 13.0 15.0 19.0 25.0 27.0 0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 Other Delivery Shopping/Retail Destination To Provide a Service Tourism Recreation Lodging Dining/Meals Business Figure 6. Primary needs for ground transportation at general aviation airports. (Source: AirportAdmin, LLC, Survey Results.)

14 Last Mile in General Aviation—Courtesy Vehicles and Other Forms of Ground Transportation stakeholders to determine the best connectivity options that can be supported based on the predominant needs of arriving traffic. This is supported by ACRP Report 17: Airports and the Newest Generation of General Aviation Aircraft, Vol. 2: Guidebook, which looked at modes of ground transportation: When assessing the mode of transportation, it is important for the airport operator to identify what is feasible in the community and how the mode of transportation can best be accomplished on the airport. (p. 42) Working through this initial self-assessment and planning process by working with local government, businesses, and airport users may be an effective first step for airports contem- plating developing last mile ground transportation options at their airport. Coordination Strategies with Potential Partners Promotion and Education A community’s airport should be recognized as a valuable asset contributing to the local economy. In many cases, citizens and local businesses are not familiar with the airport’s opera- tions and how airport visitors may enhance their business. Many respondents to the survey and interviews stated if ground transportation is not avail- able at the airport, the facility will be less utilized. Pilots will visit the airport over the com- petition if the airport has ground transportation options and others do not. This translates to increased airport operations and a potential increase in the community’s local economy. Educating the public and promoting the importance of the airport is a key strategy to assist with improving ground transportation options. Airports should work with the local business community to raise awareness of how the airport connects users to the community through ground transportation. This is important because local businesses frequented by airport customers may not even make the connection that somehow people flying into the airport will need ground transportation. Raising awareness in the community may result in support for a courtesy vehicle and at the very least, increase public consciousness of the economic impact of the airport. It is beneficial for the airport to develop and maintain a positive working relationship with the city, county, state, or its sponsor. This is useful when working with the governing body to acquire vehicles they would otherwise sell or trade from the police or public works depart- ment. When approaching the governing body, be prepared to explain the importance of the airport and the value of the proposed ground transportation program for the local economy. Inquire about the ability of insuring and maintaining vehicles under an overall fleet program to save overall costs. Car Rental Agencies Rental agencies provide an important service to transient airport travelers but are often- times located off the airport. Typically, at smaller airports, the agencies do not maintain 24/7 staffing availability, creating a challenge when customers arrive at the airport after normal business hours or on weekends. Some airport sponsors or FBOs will develop a relationship with the local rental agency and enter into an agreement to assist providing rental vehicle services on behalf of the agency. Staff will verify driver’s license and insurance, complete the paperwork obtaining customer signature, and then direct the customer to the vehicle. Airports may find it advantageous to coordinate rental vehicles directly with the customer allowing for

Ground Transportation Alternatives and Findings at General Aviation Airports 15 a convenient customer service experience. Although this may cost the airport in terms of staff time and effort, the airport benefits by ensuring control of the quality of service delivered and a decrease in potential inconvenience for the customer. The next section of this chapter discusses the partnering agreement. Local Businesses As stated above, establishing and maintaining a positive relationship with the local business community is essential for obtaining ground transportation alternatives. Businesses recogniz- ing the value of the airport’s visitors to the community may convince them to participate in a last mile connectivity option. One airport manager has proposed local businesses take turns sponsoring an airport courtesy vehicle. Each business would provide funding to support the vehicle and then take turns adver- tising on the vehicle with a magnetic sign. This would increase visibility of each sponsoring business to people coming to town and promote the importance of the airport as an economic generator. When limited ground transportation alternatives are available in a community, another option identified was seeking arrangements, whether formal or informal, with local automobile dealers. Again, the transportation challenge is solved as the local dealership advertises itself and identifies the importance of the airport in the local economy. Hillsdale College, Michigan, donated a courtesy vehicle to the airport assisting with visitors’ and speakers’ transportation to and from the airport and college. Used college fleet vehicles are donated and used during larger group events. Refer to Chapter 5, Case Example 3. Private Individuals or Pilot Groups Sometimes the problem creates a solution by the users. In one instance, an individual pilot would leave a vehicle at an airport he would frequently visit. He allowed the airport to lend the car to other pilots and eventually donated the car to the airport. Pilot groups may also be an asset recognizing the issue and desiring to assist the airport. They may develop a strategy to raise funds to purchase or obtain a donated vehicle and provide its support. Protocols to Manage Partnering Arrangements Public-private agreements across the nation at general aviation airports exist, some formal and others informal. The agreements vary depending on the relationship the airport has with the business and if the airport is assuming responsibility for property it will not own. For example, if a small-town car dealership decides to allow the use of its vehicle for promotion at the airport with no formal agreement, the airport may not have much liability. However, if the airport decides to work with a car rental agency to coordinate customer vehicles not owned, maintained, or insured by the airport, it would be advised to enter into a formal agree- ment. This agreement should determine the liability and responsibilities of each party. Rental agencies may desire to enter into a formal agreement known as a rental franchise licensing agreement. This allows airport staff to act as an agent on behalf of the rental agency. An example of a rental franchise licensing agreement is included in Appendix G. “I fly for business and desire to land as close as I can to my customers. I determine which airport to utilize based on rental car and courtesy car availability. If neither exist at the local airport, I bypass that airport and land at another one close by with those options.” —Travis Johnson, Multiengine Commercial, Instrument, and CFII Pilot St. Paul Airport (STP), Minnesota

16 Last Mile in General Aviation—Courtesy Vehicles and Other Forms of Ground Transportation Barriers Common barriers or challenges for obtaining modes of transportation to and from the airport were identified in the surveys and interviews. Many of the respondents stated the com- munity was simply too small and did not provide any alternatives because of low demand. However, smaller communities were identified who utilized creative ideas to procure an inexpensive courtesy vehicle or service to address this issue. Liability concerns and insurance issues specific to airport courtesy vehicles were also identified. This topic and overcoming this challenge are covered more in depth in Chapter 4. Cost was also identified as a challenge. Depending on the age and type of vehicle, this could be an issue. But again, many airports have thought outside the box and have procured inexpensive vehicles or developed programs through donations and/or private businesses and individuals contributing to the expenses. Unique Strategies to Overcoming Challenges This chapter’s common theme to overcoming challenges is community education concerning the airport’s importance and promoting its value to the local economy. The second step is explaining the importance of the last mile connectivity from the airport to the front door of their business. Establishing a last mile connecting champion and developing airport administrative and stakeholder support for the initiative is a key strategy to assist with improving ground trans- portation options. One airport stated the barriers to acquiring their courtesy vehicle to supplement other commercial options were overcome by members of the airport administrative team led by a persistent champion of the cause. When there are limited or no options in the community to provide public or commercial ground transportation, solutions may be found by engaging local organizations or users of the airport. Work with the governing authority of the airport to support acquiring, insuring, and maintaining courtesy vehicles. Provide a means for a courtesy vehicle to be accessed when the airport is unattended. Ensure the courtesy vehicle is kept in a secured, well-lighted area, and there is a secure process for the customer to obtain the keys and check out the vehicle. One airport who supports several weekly aircraft operations stated it can be effective to have multiple courtesy vehicles available for use, which increase availability and allow for less limitations of use. Customers can use the vehicle for longer periods of time because there are other vehicles available for additional customers to use when necessary. The airport therefore has more flexibility in allowing extended use and deviations from guidelines. At the George T. Lewis Airport, a small recreational airport in Cedar Key, Florida, Ms. Judy has provided a taxi/shuttle service for many years. She will listen for aircraft traffic on the local frequency and welcome pilots asking if they should need transportation services. She does this as a courtesy service while she cleans area resort cabins. Although her beloved checkered cab has been retired, she continues to utilize her personal vehicle to provide the last mile for visiting pilots (Figures 7 and 8). “I own a Beechcraft Bonanza and have traveled for pleasure all over the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean extensively. Part of my trip planning includes researching for courtesy cars along my planned route. We prefer going off the beaten path and visiting smaller venues. The courtesy cars prove invaluable in being able to access the local communities and the many historical sites they have to offer or just relax and enjoy the local attractions.” —Wade Cebulski, Commercial, Instrument, Land and Sea Pilot Helena Airport (HLN) and Seeley Lake (23S), Montana

Ground Transportation Alternatives and Findings at General Aviation Airports 17 Figure 7. Ms. Judy’s checkered cab prior to its retirement. (Source: J. Bason/S. Germolus.) Figure 8. A golf cart at Cedar Key, Florida, serving as the pilot’s last mile. (Source: S. Germolus.)