AIRPORT CAPACITY OVERVIEW

This workshop presentation gives an overview of the airport capacity problem. The author points out that a lack of adequate airport capacity has become one of, if not the most potentially crippling problem facing aviation today, with the best near-term solution being to expand capacity at existing airports by using technology and enhanced operating procedures to make airports and runways as efficient as possible. Major technology and enhanced operating initiatives are outlined. Another major problem, aircraft noise, is then discussed, and the principal elements of a comprehensive national noise program are outlined. Attention is then directed to funding mechanisms to meet future airport development needs. Two new funding mechanisms that offer great potential--congressionally authorized passenger facility charges and a federally instituted revolving loan fund--are explained. Long-term actions to improve airport capacity are then discussed. These actions depend on the development of new types of aircraft (e.g., VSTOL, high-speed civil aircraft) and new airport concepts and technology.