2. Airports Are Valuable to Everyone
Your airport is also a significant economic engine,
creating jobs and additional tax revenue
airports also serve as bases for:
Emergency medical services
Agricultural operations, such as crop dusting
Federal, state and local law enforcement
2
3. “Teachin
g the
Science,
Inspiring
the Art,
Producin
g Aviation
Candidat
es!”
Aircraft Lighting
Navigation Lights
Red – Left Wing
Green – Right Wing
White – Tail
Anti-Collision Lights
Red rotating beacon - Fuselage
White strobe lights – Wings
4. Economic Impact
An airport’s financial value includes, but is not limited to, the
economic activity that occurs because of the airfield
The number of jobs attributed to the airport is greater than
simply those positions based on the airport, and includes:
Area hotels, restaurants and catering companies
Rental car companies, gas stations and parking facilities
Airports Are Economic Engines
4
5. Economic Impact
Business travel has the greatest impact on the local
economy
Thousands of business aircraft travelers arriving at GA
airports daily spend money and conduct business in
communities near the airport
Companies locate business aviation facilities near GA
airports for rapid access to customers and markets,
generating jobs and tax revenue for local communities
Business aviation often delivers point-to-point service
where no airline service exists
Airports Are Economic Engines
5
6. Airport Access
While subjective, human perception
about aircraft noise has a powerful
effect on how people perceive their
local airport
Many anti-airport groups begin with a
specific focus on noise
Noise Perception Is Everything
6
7. Airport Access
The aviation community has responded to noise concerns with:
New, quieter aircraft engines
Flight procedures/airspace changes that steer aircraft away from
homes
Local government zoning of adjacent land can also change airport
noise perceptions for the better
Noise Perception Is Everything
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8. Safety and Security
FBOs and airport tenants together can mitigate the
potential for a ground damage accident by:
Using two wing walkers
Using adequate lighting at night – on ramp areas
and on aircraft and vehicles themselves
Towing aircraft at safe speeds
Chocking aircraft during repairs and fueling
Avoid Ground Damage
See additional tips in the NBAA Airports Handbook
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9. Safety and Security
Require positive access for all gates and doors
Check aircraft interiors for unauthorized personnel prior to
departure
Positively identify all luggage before loading aboard an aircraft
Require accurate passenger manifests
Operator’s Role in Airport Security
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See also NBAA Security Best Practices at www.nbaa.org/security
Airports facilitate the flow of commerce, create business opportunities and enhance the quality of life for the entire local community.
There’s more to a great GA airport than simply improved travel options.
Taxi cabs
Porters
Caterers
Law enforcement
Mechanics
Fuelers
Etc.
Ever wondered why keeping an airport in operation is a good idea? Numbers, pure and simple – specifically with regard to:
- Increasing the economic activity around the airport
- Increasing the number of people who are able to reach their destinations on time
Decreasing the congestion at other nearby airports
Airline cuts and service reductions have had a severe impact on the ability of businesses to reach their destinations, which is precisely why business aircraft are being utilized and providing more value than ever before.
Noise is the primary reason airport neighbors seek sanctions against those airports. Anti-airport groups have been very successful at using what they perceive as noisy airplanes to demand airport restrictions from local government. However, the FAA has jurisdiction over airport access restrictions, not local government.
Local governments can do their part to stem the tide of noise complaints by adopting land use zoning that restricts people from building homes close to the airport. Some local governments have also been able to secure federal funds to better soundproof affected homes.
Since 9/11, there has understandably been a much greater emphasis on airport security. For further guidance, see NBAA’s Airports Handbook, or NBAA’s Security Best Practices online.
Positive electronic access to gates and doors ensures that only authorized people are on the airport. Post signs to keep passengers informed.
