The Airport System Plan

The Airport System Plan

An airport system plan is a representation of the aviation facilities required to meet the immediate and future needs of a metropolitan area, region, state, or country. The National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS)  is an example of a system plan representing the airport development needs of the United States. The Michigan Aviation System Plan  is an example of a system plan representing the airport development needs of the state of Michigan, and the Southeast Michigan Regional Aviation System Plan  is a system plan representing the airport development needs of a seven county region comprising the Detroit Metropolitan area.

The system plan presents the recommendations for the general location and characteristics of new airports and heliports and the nature of expansion for existing ones to meet forecasts of aggregate demand. It identifies the aviation role of existing and recommended new airports and facilities. It includes the timing and estimated costs of development and relates airport system planning to the policy and objectives of the relevant jurisdiction. Its overall purpose is to determine the extent, type, nature, location, and timing of airport development needed to establish a viable, balanced, and integrated system of airports It also provides the basis for detailed airport planning such as that contained in the airport master plan.

The airport system plan provides both broad and specific policies, plans, and programs required to establish a viable and integrated system of airports to meet the needs of the region. The objectives of the system plan include The orderly and timely development of a system of airports adequate to meet present and future aviation needs and to promote the desired pattern of regional growth relative to industrial, employment, social, environmental, and recreational goals.

1. The development of aviation to meet its role in a balanced and multimodal transportation system to foster the overall goals of the area as reflected in the transportation system plan and comprehensive development plan.

2. The protection and enhancement of the environment through the location and expansion of aviation facilities in a manner which avoids ecological and environmental impairment.

3. The provision of the framework within which specific airport programs may be developed consistent with the short- and long-range airport system requirements.

4. The implementation of land-use and airspace plans which optimize these resources in an often constrained environment.

5. The development of long-range fiscal plans and the establishment of priorities for airport financing within the governmental budgeting process.

6. The establishment of the mechanism for the implementation  of the system plan through the normal political framework, including the necessary coordination between governmental agencies, the involvement of both public and private aviation and nonaviation interests, and compatibility with the content, standards, and criteria of existing legislation.

The airport system planning process must be consistent with state, regional, or national goals for transportation, land use, and the environment. The elements in a typical airport system planning process  include the following:

1. Exploration of issues that impact aviation in the study area

2. Inventory of the current system

3. Identification of air transportation needs

4. Forecast of system demand

5. Consideration of alternative airport systems

6. Definition of airport roles and policy strategies

Recommendation of system changes, funding strategies, and airport development 8. Preparation of an implementation plan

Although the process involves many varied elements, the final product will result in the identification, preservation, and enhancement of the aviation system to meet current and future demand. The ultimate result of the process will be the establishment of a viable, balanced, and integrated system of airports.