Georgia aviation system plan: executive summary [2003]

GEORGIA AVIATION SYSTEM PLAN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Acknowledgment
This document was produced under the auspices of the
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
J. Tom Coleman, Jr., Commissioner

OFFICE OF INTERMODAL PROGRAMS
Hal Wilson, Administrator

AVIATION PROGRAMS
Edward S. Ratigan, Manager

GEORGIA AVIATION SYSTEM PLAN UPDATE
Thomas B. Carr, Jr., Project Manager

STATE TRANSPORTATION BOARD

1st District Harry Dixon 2nd District W. P. "Billy" Langdale 3rd District Ward Edwards 4th District Brad Hubbert 5th District Emory C. McClinton 6th District Johnny Gresham

7th District Steve Reynolds 8th District Sam Wellborn 9th District Jimmy Lester 10thDistrict Mike Evans 11thDistrict David Doss 12thDistrict Jon Burns 13thDistrict Dana L. Lemon

Introduction
Georgia is served by one of the most comprehensive and progressive aviation systems in the United States. To prepare a long-term plan to guide the development of this aviation system, it was necessary to follow an approach that will keep Georgia airports at the forefront of aviation.
In late 2001, Aviation Programs, Georgia Department of Transportation, began an update to its statewide aviation system plan. It had been almost 10 years since the Georgia Aviation System Plan had last been updated. This document is a summary of the technical report that was prepared to document the System Plan.
The update to the Georgia Aviation System Plan contained four components:
THE SYSTEM PLAN AN AIR SERVICE/PASSENGER DEMAND ANALYSIS A PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT STUDY AN AVIATION TAX REVENUE STUDY
More information on any of these studies can be obtained from Aviation Programs, Georgia Department of Transportation.
Georgia's aviation demand is served by a diverse mixture of airports ranging in size from small general aviation airports to Hartsfield Atlanta International, the nation's busiest commercial airport. The Georgia Aviation System is made up of 103 public use airports conveniently located to meet a full range of commercial, business, personal, recreational, and training activities.
To identify the development needs of Georgia airports, Aviation Programs took a strategic approach to planning for the future aviation system. The approach to the Georgia Aviation System Plan was performance-based, enabling Aviation Programs to determine how the airport system is currently performing, to set objectives for its future performance, and to determine the actions necessary to direct the airport system toward established goals.

This executive summary highlights the findings from the Georgia Aviation System Plan, as well as the Air Service/Passenger Demand Analysis. A separate study was conducted to analyze the condition of pavements at all Georgia airports. The Pavement Management Study outlines airport specific actions that are needed to maintain and enhance the condition of runways, taxiways, and apron areas at all system airports. The Aviation Tax Revenue Study estimates total annual aviation related taxes that are collected in Georgia each year. This analysis compares annual aviation related taxes collected to annual funding requests from all airports and to the current annual budget that is available to Aviation Programs. More information on all studies is available from Aviation Programs.

GEORGIA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1

Georgia Aviation System Plan Overview

The System Plan update considered a variety of technical tasks and analyses that included each of the following:
Inventory of the State's existing public use airport system: The inventory included on-site airport visits and cataloging each airport's historic and current facilities and activity levels.
Identification of each airport's functional role within the system: System leveling or stratification was accomplished by determining how each airport currently contributes to meeting Georgia's air transportation needs and goals.
Evaluation of each airport's performance relative to its functional role or system level: Specific facility and service objectives were identified for each airport role or level, and the ability of system airports to comply with established facility and service objectives was determined.
Identification of deficiencies in the system: The performance-based approach to the System Plan update resulted in the identification of long-range system needs.
Documentation of specific airport projects: The System Plan identified specific projects that should be implemented to allow individual airports to fulfill their functional role and to increase performance to targeted levels.
Estimation of development costs: Costs that may be incurred to enable system airports to comply with established facility and service objectives and to elevate the overall performance of the Georgia Aviation System were estimated as part of the study.

study process

Goals Performance
Measures System Role
Pavement Management

Inventory Revenue Study

Forecasts/Capacity System Adequacy
Options/Costs Recommendations

Benchmarking
Target Compliance
Ratings
Air Service Analysis

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GEORGIA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Study Outputs
The purpose of the Georgia Aviation System Plan is to provide Aviation Programs with a key decision making document and guidance for:
Identifying airports and related facilities that are needed to meet study objectives and to promote aviation in Georgia.
Determining current deficiencies in the Georgia Aviation System.
Recommending facilities and services that are needed for each airport to comply with its identified system role.
Identifying areas of Georgia where new, replacement, or upgraded airport facilities are needed to meet target performance objectives for operational capacity and accessibility.

Public Outreach
An important part of the update to the Georgia Aviation System Plan was the information and outreach effort. This effort included:
On-site visits, direct mailings, and telephone contacts to all system airports. A broad-based Project Advisory Committee that provided input and direction
for study development. Meetings with the Project Advisory Committee at key study milestones. Fourteen different statewide open house meetings that provided information on
the System Plan's formulation and progress. Three project related newsletters distributed to over 2,500 individuals, agencies,
groups, and elected officials throughout Georgia.

Project Advisory Committee

Georgia Aviation System Plan Update

Public Outreach

Committee Meetings......Newsletters......Statewide Open House Meetings......Press Releases......

GEORGIA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

3

The Existing Airport System
Georgia's current system of airports consists of 103 public use aeronautical facilities. Nine airports have scheduled commercial airline service; the remaining 94 airports are exclusively general aviation. General aviation includes corporate, recreational, and training activities. Georgia's commercial airports also play key roles in supporting general aviation activity.
One of the first steps in the process to strategically plan for the Georgia Aviation System was to determine the role each airport currently plays in the system. It was essential to determine how the system is currently performing before setting a course to identify long-term needs and future airport roles.
The Georgia Aviation System was stratified and airport roles/levels assigned based on each airport's current contribution to the system. Accessibility goals for the airport system were important in assigning system airports to one of three system levels. Factors considered in stratifying the airport system included the following:
Ability of the airport to accommodate future growth.
Proximity of the airport to major population and business centers and to aircraft owners and registered pilots.
Current airport infrastructure, facilities and services.
Accessibility and geographic coverage.
Aviation activity levels and type of aviation demand served.

system facts
103 open to the public airports 94 general aviation airports 9 commercial service airports 94% of the Georgia airports are in the NPIAS 2.3 million general aviation operations served 73,266 commercial operations served (does not include Hartsfield Atlanta International) 75% of airports have runway lengths of 4,000-feet or greater 51% of airports have runway lengths of 5,000-feet or greater 26% of airports have runway lengths of 5,500-feet or greater 5,209 aircraft are based at Georgia airports 1.4 million square yards of pavement are at Georgia airports 77% of Georgia airports meet or exceed a PCI rating of 70 for
their primary runway

4

GEORGIA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Existing Airport System
System airports were initially stratified into the following levels to reflect their current role in the system:
Level I - Minimum standard general aviation airport Level I represents the minimum to which airports in the system are expected to develop. Level I airports should accommodate all single-engine and some small twin-engine general aviation aircraft. For Level I airports, a minimum runway length objective of 4,000 feet has been established; ideally, operations at Level I airports should also be aided by a non-precision instrument approach.
Level II Business airport of local impact Business airport of local significance; capable of accommodating all business and personnel use single and twin-engine general aviation and a broad range of the corporate/business jet fleet. For Level II airports, a minimum runway length objective of 5,000 feet has been established; operations at Level II airports should also be aided by a nonprecision instrument approach.
Level III Business airport of regional impact Air carrier airports and general aviation airports of regional significance capable of accommodating commercial aircraft or a variety of business and corporate jet aircraft. For Level III airports, a minimum runway length objective of 5,500 feet has been established; ideally, operations at Level III airports should also be aided by a precision instrument approach.

Level I, Level II, and Level III Airports

Level I Airport
Level II Airport
Level III Airport
Level III Airport Commercial Service Interstate Highway

GEORGIA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

5

Facility And Service Objectives
Each Georgia airport contributes to the aviation system by supporting different types and levels of aviation activity. The types of facilities and services that should ideally be in place at airports in each of three functional levels, Level I, Level II, and Level III, were determined during the development of the System Plan.
By comparing existing facilities and services to each airport's respective facility and service objectives, a report card for each airport in the system was developed. The results of each airport's report card were subsequently used in the System Plan to identify airport specific recommendations for improvement.
The facility and service objectives identified for Level I, Level II, and Level III airports should be used as a guide for individual system airports as they plan future development. Local circumstances and needs may warrant the development of certain system airports beyond these minimum objectives.

LEVEL I Minimum Standard General Aviation Airport

Airside Facilities Runway Length Runway Width Taxiways
Lighting Systems Approach NAVAIDs/Visual Aids
Weather Reporting Ground Communications Fencing

Minimum Requirements 4,000 feet 75 feet Full parallel desirable; turnarounds at each end minimum objective MIRL and MITL Non-Precision Rotating beacon, segmented circle and wind cone, PAPI's, and other aids as required for non-precision approach AWOS or ASOS desirable Public telephone; GCO as needed Operations area at a minimum; entire airport desirable

General Aviation Facilities Minimum Requirements Hangared Aircraft Storage 60% of based aircraft fleet

Apron Parking/Storage Terminal/Administration Auto Parking

40% of based aircraft fleet plus an additional 25% for transient aircraft 750 square feet enclosed space for public use with restrooms One space for each based aircraft plus an additional 25% for visitors/employees

Services Fuel FBO

Minimum Requirements AvGas and/or jet fuel as required Limited Service

6

GEORGIA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Facility And Service Objectives
LEVEL II Business Airports of Local Impact

Airside Facilities Runway Length Runway Width Taxiways Lighting Systems Approach NAVAIDS/Visual Aids
Weather Reporting Ground Communications Airfield Signage
Fencing

Minimum Requirements 5,000 feet 100 feet Full Parallel MIRL and MITL Non-Precision Rotating beacon, segmented circle and wind cone, PAPI's, and other aids as required for non-precision approach AWOS or ASOS Public telephone, GCO Runway hold position signs, location and guidance signs Entire airport

General Aviation Facilities Minimum Requirements

Hangared Aircraft Storage 60% of based aircraft fleet

Apron Parking/Storage 40% of based aircraft plus an additional 50%

for transient aircraft

Terminal/Administration 1,500 square feet minimum of public use space

including restrooms, conference area, and

pilots' lounge

Auto Parking

One space for each based aircraft plus an

additional 50% for visitors/employees

Services Fuel FBO Maintenance Rental Cars

Minimum Requirements AvGas and/or jet fuel Full Service Limited/Full Service Available

LEVEL III - Business Airports of Regional Impact

Airside Facilities Runway Length Runway Width Taxiways Lighting Systems
NAVAIDS/Visual Aids
Approach Weather Reporting Ground Communication Airfield Signage
Fencing

Minimum Requirements 5,500 feet 100 feet Full Parallel HIRL for precision approaches and commercial service airports; MITL and approach lights Rotating beacon, segmented circle and wind cone, PAPI's and other aids as appropriate for precision approaches Precision AWOS or ASOS Public telephone, GCO Runway hold position signs, location and guidance signs Entire airport

General Aviation Facilities Minimum Requirements

Hangared Aircraft Storage 70% of based aircraft fleet

Apron Parking/Storage 30% of based aircraft plus an additional 75%

for transient aircraft

Terminal/Administration 2,500 square feet minimum with public

restrooms, conference area, and pilots' lounge

Auto Parking

One space for each based aircraft plus an

additional 50% for visitors/employees

Services Fuel FBO Maintenance Rental Cars

Minimum Requirements AvGas and jet fuel Full Service Full Service Available

GEORGIA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

7

Forecasts
Developing aviation activity projections for Georgia airports was necessary to assess the need for and phasing of future system improvements. Demand projections provide a foundation for determining the future role of system airports, for evaluating the system's capacity to accommodate long-term aviation demand, and for planning future airside and landside facilities for the system.
The forecasts developed from the System Plan yielded the following:
Due to expected increases in population and employment, based aircraft at Georgia's public airports are predicted to increase from 5,209 to 6,571 by 2021.
Statewide general aviation operations are projected to reach 2.9 million annually in 2021, up from 2.3 million currently.
Commercial enplanements at all commercial airports, excluding Hartsfield Atlanta International, are projected to grow from their current level of 1.3 million to 2.4 million by 2021.
Operations by commercial carriers, excluding those at Hartsfield Atlanta International, are anticipated to grow from 73,266 to 101,250 by 2021.
These projections were developed based on activity levels reported by system airports at the time the inventory element of the System Plan was completed.

system based aircraft

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

2006

5,560

2011

5,880

2021

6,571

total annual general aviation operations

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

2006

2,429,781

2011

2,571,506

2021

2,884,862

total annual commercial enplanements

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

2006

1,456,634

2011

1,696,528

2021

2,448,171

Source: Georgia Aviation System Plan 2002

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GEORGIA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

System Goals

Targets for future system performance provided the foundation for subsequent system recommendations. These recommendations are summarized in the following sections.

Goals for the Georgia Aviation System and their performance measures

Goal
To provide an airport system that can support current and future demand.
To provide an airport system that meets applicable design standards.
To provide an airport system that can respond to foreseen and unforeseen changes.
To provide an airport system that is accessible from both the air and the ground.
To provide an airport system that meets established facility and service objectives.

Performance Measure
Capacity Standards Flexibility Accessibility Facilities

Performance Measure: Capacity
The FAA has determined that as an airport's annual operational demand reaches 60 percent or more of the airport's calculated airfield operating capacity, delays to aircraft on the ground and in the air begin to increase. As annual demand exceeds or equals 80 percent of an airport's operational capacity, delays can increase dramatically.
Statewide, sufficient operational capacity exists to meet Georgia's projected operational demand. Systemwide, only 6 percent of all airports will have demand/capacity ratios that approach the FAA's critical demand/capacity trigger point of 60 percent.

Savannah International Airport, DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, Fulton County-Brown Field, Cobb County-McCollum Field, Gwinnett County Airport-Briscoe Field and Winder-Barrow Airport will approach or exceed the 60 percent demand/capacity threshold by 2021. Demand/capacity ratios and potential shortfalls discussed in this section do not include those projected for Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport.
These airports are located in Georgia's two most densely populated urban areas, Savannah and Atlanta. The System Plan supports efforts that may be underway locally to increase operational capacity at these airports, but these efforts alone will not yield sufficient operating capacity for these two metropolitan areas.
A demand management strategy which relies on under utilized capacity at existing airports, combined with additional operational capacity provided by new system airports, is recommended to meet the System Plan target for all Georgia airports to operate at a demand/capacity ratio of less than 60 percent.

statewide demand/capacity ratios

0
{ 2001
LEVEL I
2021
{ 2001
LEVEL II
2021
{ 2001
LEVEL III
2021
{ 2001
TOTAL SYSTEM
2021

5

10 15 20 25 30

9% 10%

10% 12%

20% 25%

15% 19%

GEORGIA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

9

capacity
Atlanta Metropolitan Area
The Atlanta area is served by an extensive and complex system of general aviation airports. Several key airports in this area are projected to exceed a 60 percent demand/capacity threshold. Most of the capacity constrained airports in the Atlanta area do not have the ability to expand to provide new airfield facilities. Therefore, a combination of new airports, expansion of existing facilities, and maximization of available capacity at exisiting airports will be needed to provide long-term operational capacity to meet the area's needs.
It will be important for existing airports that are part of this area's demand management strategy to meet stated runway length objectives. The Carterville-Bartow County Airport (Carterville) should be upgraded to Level III to address the region's operational capacity needs.
New system airports are recommended in the Forsyth/Dawson county area and in Paulding County. These airports should initially be introduced to the system as Level II airports with the potential to be upgraded as demand and conditions warrant. The accompanying table summarizes the demand management strategy that is recommended to meet potential operational capacity shortfalls for the Atlanta Metropolitan Area.

atlanta metro capacity enhancement options

Associated City
Atlanta Metro Area

Airport Name

Atlanta

DeKalb-Peachtree Airport

Atlanta

Fulton County-Brown Field

Atlanta

Peachtree City-Falcon Field

Lawrenceville

Gwinnett County Airport-Briscoe Field

Marietta

Cobb County-McCollum Field

Hampton

Clayton County-Tara Field

Current Level
III III III III III II

Current Runway Length

Current Future

Future Demand/ Demand/

Runway Capacity Capacity

Length Ratio

Ratio

6001 5796 5219 6000 5355 4503

6001 5796 5500 6000 5500 5000

84.81 54.21 26.45 47.19 56.52 13.19

104.41 66.74 32.56 52.38 87.27 16.23

Immediately Adjacent to Metro Area

Covington

Covington Municipal Airport

Newnan

Newnan-Coweta County

Winder

Winder-Barrow County Airport

Canton

Cherokee County Airport

Cartersville*

Cartersville Airport

Monroe

Monroe-Walton County Airport

Forsyth-Dawson County

Paulding County

III

4203

III

5007

III

5500

II

3412

III

5760

II

4112

II (NEW)

II (NEW)

5500 5500 5500 5000 5760 5000 5000 5000

18.54 13.78 30.97 25.65 30.75 13.04

20.58 16.97 55.10 35.01 41.97 14.48

Adjacent to Metro Area

Calhoun

Tom B. David Field

III

Carrollton

West Georgia Regional-O.V. Gray Field III

Gainesville

Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport

III

Jasper

Pickens County Airport

II

Cedartown

Cornelius Moore Field

I

Airports identified for runway lengthening projects

5010 5500 16.54

18.36

5002 5500 20.94

24.26

5004 5500 16.17

17.95

5000 5000

4.65

6.35

4004 4004 14.94

20.38

*Recommended to move from Level II to Level III

10 G E O R G I A E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

capacity
Savannah Metropolitan Area
Savannah International Airport, Georgia's second busiest commercial airport, is projected to experience shortfalls in operational capacity by the end of the 20-year planning period. A large percentage of this airport's operations fall into the general aviation category. Therefore, other general aviation airports in the system will be called upon to support the region's operational needs.
The System Plan recommends that after the Liberty County Airport (Hinesville) is relocated to Wright Army Airfield, this airport be designated an FAA reliever for Savannah International. Initially, this relocated facility should enter the system as a Level II airport with the potential to be upgraded as demand and conditions warrant.
A new system airport, north of Savannah in Effingham County, is also recommended. This recommendation is consistent with the prior State System Plan and with the FAA's National Plan for Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). This airport should be designated a Level II airport.

savannah capacity enhancement options

Airport 30 Min Drivetime 45 Min Drivetime Georgia County

11 G E O R G I A E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

Performance Measure: Standards
Airports were reviewed for their ability to meet or to comply with three facility standards:
The ability to meet the separation standard between their primary runway centerline and any full or partial parallel taxiway centerline; each airport's standard is determined by its current FAA airport reference code (ARC).
The ability to meet dimensions of runway safety areas (RSA) on each end of their primary runway; standards were again determined by current ARCs for each airport.
The ability of airports to meet a standard pavement condition index (PCI) rating of 70 or greater for their primary runway; current PCIs for all runways at Georgia airports were established by the Pavement Management Study.
On a statewide basis, 75 percent of all airports with full or partial taxiways currently meet applicable standards. For all system airports, 89 percent currently meet applicable RSA standards for their primary runways, and 77 percent of all airports reportedly have a PCI rating of 70 or higher for their primary runway.
12 G E O R G I A E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

runway/taxiway separation standards

25%

Do Not Meet Current Standards

Meet Current Standards

75%

RSA standards for primary runway
Do Not Meet Current Standards
11%

Meet Current Standards

89%

PCI standards for primary runway

23%

Do Not Meet Current Standards

Meet Current Standards

77%

Performance Measure: Flexibility
Two benchmarks were used to evaluate the system for its ability to insure that airports in Georgia have the flexibility to meet foreseen and unforeseen changes in aviation demand. The first of these benchmarks considered current planning documents. If airports in Georgia are adequately planned, with timely updates to their master plans and/or airport layout plans (ALPs), there is a greater likelihood that they will be effectively protected. The System Plan established the following objectives for planning documents:
Level I Airports current plans every 15 years
Level II Airports current plans every 10 years
Level III Airports current plans every 10 years
Secondly, airports and their host and surrounding communities should take steps to identify and adopt zoning and land use activities compatible with airport operations. Actions are needed throughout the system to achieve compliance with this benchmark.
Performance Measure: Accessibility
An airport system that is easily accessible is important to the State's transportation and economic objectives. The System Plan established the following targets for system accessibility:
Level I Airport within a 30-minute drive time of all
PerformancareeasMof theeaStasteu. re: Standards
Level II Airport within a 30-minute drive time of all areas of the State.
Level III Airport within a 45-minute drive time of all areas of the State and a 60minute drive time for commercial service airports.
The minimum runway length objective for Level I airports is 4,000 feet, for Level II airports the minimum objective is 5,000 feet, and for Level III airports the minimum runway length objective is 5,500 feet. Maps on the following pages show how system accessibility is anticipated to increase as Georgia airports implement projects to meet their targeted runway length objectives.

At the start of the System Plan, 45 percent of all system airports reported planning documents current within the past five years, and 42 percent report their host and surrounding communities have adopted land use controls or zoning.

current planning documents

compatible land use planning

Have Not Completed Plans Within The Past 5 Years

55%

45%

Have Adopted Land Use or Zoning Controls
42%

58%

Have Completed Plans Within The Past 5 Years

Have Not Adopted Land Use or Zoning Controls

Targets for increasing system accessibility from the air were established as part of the system planning process. While all Level I and Level II airports should have some type of non-precision approach, all Level III airports should ideally be equipped with a precision approach and an approach lighting system. Many of the Level III airports have projects underway that will enable them to meet these approach objectives.
current approaches to system airports

Visual Approaches

19%

20%

Precision Approaches

61%

Non-Precision Approaches

13 G E O R G I A E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

Accessibility: 4,000 feet at 30 Minutes
runways existing

runways recommended

Current Coverage with Runways 4,000 feet or Greater

State Population Employment

90.1% 91.7% 90.9%

Airport 30 Min Drivetime Georgia County

14 G E O R G I A E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

Target Coverage with Runways 4,000 feet or Greater

Airport Upgrade 4000 Ft Runway Existing 4000 Ft Runway Out-of-State Airports Proposed New Airports Replacement Airports Georgia County

State Population Employment

96.1% 96.4% 96.3%

Accessibility: 5,000 feet at 30 Minutes
runways existing

runways recommended

Current Coverage with Runways 5,000 feet or Greater

State

79.4%

Population Employment

80.6% 81.2%

Airport 30 Min Drivetime Georgia County

Target Coverage with Runways 5,000 feet or Greater

Airport Upgrade 5000 Ft Runway Existing 5000 Ft Runway Out-of-State Airports Proposed New Airports Replacement Airports Georgia County

State Population Employment

89.5% 94.5% 94.9%

15 G E O R G I A E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

Accessibility: 5,500 feet at 45/60 Minutes
runways existing

runways recommended

Current Coverage with Runways 5,500 feet or Greater

State Population Employment

91.3% 95.5% 96.5%

Airport
60 Minute Drivetime for Commercial Service Airport 45 Minute Drivetime for General Airport
Georgia County

16 G E O R G I A E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

Target Coverage with Runways 5,500 feet or Greater

Airport
Upgrade 5500 Ft Runway 45 Minute Drivetime Existing 5500 Ft Runway 45 & 60 Minute Drivetime Out-of-State Airports 60 Minute Drivetime
Georgia County

State Population Employment

98.1% 99.3% 99.5%

Performance Measure: Facilities and Services

Level II Airports
current facility and service objective results

Airports in Georgia perform separate and distinct roles, serving varying types of aviation demand and activity. The types of facilities and services that are appropriate at each airport also vary accordingly, and the System Plan has identified specific facilities and services desirable for each airport.
Actions required to bring each airport into compliance with its respective facility and service objectives are available from Aviation Programs and have been distributed directly to each system airport as part of this plan. The accompanying airport facility and service graphs show the improvements needed to make all system airports compliant with established facility and service objectives.

Runway Length Runway Width
Taxiway Design Runway Lighting Taxiway Lighting
NAVAIDS Approach GCO/Phone Weather Reporting Hangar Storage Apron Parking Terminal/Admin Auto Parking
Fuel FBO Maintenance Rental Car
0%

19%

56% 47%

53% 38% 28% 28%
31%

44%

53%

81%

94% 6%

72%

28%

84%

16%

88% 12%

91% 9%

47%

75%

25%

62%

72%

72%

91% 9%

81%

19%

75%

25%

69%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Level I Airports

Level III Airports

current facility and service objective results

current facility and service objective results

Runway Length Runway Width
Taxiway Design Runway Lighting Taxiway Lighting
NAVAIDS Approach GCO/Phone Hangar Storage
Apron Terminal/Admin
Auto Parking Fuel FBO
0%

33%

60%

23%

73%

43%

43%

43%

70%

70%

63%

17%

57%

43%

23%

20%

40%

60%

80%

67% 40% 77% 27% 57% 57% 57% 30% 30% 37% 83% 43% 57% 77%
100%

Runway Length Runway Width
Taxiway Design Runway Lighting Taxiway Lighting
NAVAIDS ALS
Approach GCO/Phone Weather Reporting Hangar Storage Apron Parking Terminal/Admin Auto Parking
Fuel FBO Maintenance Rental Car
0%

25% 30%
20%

55% 40%

67%

8%

25%

77%

13% 10%

70%

15%

15%

78%

22%

87%

13%

93%

7%

80%

20%

95% 5%

98% 2%

85%

7% 8%

45%

75%

72%

28%

70%

98% 2%

93%

7%

85%

15%

80%

20%

60%

80%

100%

Complies Does not Comply
Complies Does not Comply Funds are committed and project is pending/on-going

Complies

Does not Comply

17 G E O R G I A E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

Future Aviation System

Georgia must be served by a system of well-developed, strategically located, and diversified airports. Recommendations that emerged from the Georgia Aviation System Plan meet each of these important criteria.

Local actions will be needed for the Georgia Aviation System to move toward the objectives established in the System Plan. The responsibility for implementing the recommendations contained in the System Plan ultimately rests with each airport owner. Recommendations stemming from the System Plan should serve as a guide for airport specific development.

Georgia Aviation System Level I Airports

Associated City ASHBURN AUGUSTA BUENA VISTA CAIRO CANON CEDARTOWN COCHRAN CUTHBERT ELBERTON ELLIJAY FOLKSTON HAWKINSVILLE HAZLEHURST JEKYLL ISLAND MADISON MCRAE METTER MILLEN MONTEZUMA MOULTRIE NAHUNTA NASHVILLE QUITMAN REIDSVILLE SOPERTON SYLVESTER WARM SPRINGS WAYNESBORO WRENS

Airport Name TURNER COUNTY AIRPORT DANIEL FIELD MARION COUNTY AIRPORT CAIRO-GRADY COUNTY AIRPORT FRANKLIN-HART COUNTY AIRPORT CORNELIUS-MOORE FIELD COCHRAN AIRPORT CUTHBERT-RANDOLPH COUNTY AIRPORT ELBERT COUNTY-PATZ FIELD GILMER COUNTY AIRPORT DAVIS FIELD HAWKINSVILLE-PULASKI COUNTY AIRPORT HAZLEHURST AIRPORT JEKYLL ISLAND AIRPORT MADISON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT TELFAIR-WHEELER AIRPORT METTER MUNICIPAL AIRPORT MILLEN AIRPORT DR. C.P. SAVAGE, SR. AIRPORT SPENCE FIELD BRANTLEY COUNTY AIRPORT BERRIEN COUNTY AIRPORT QUITMAN-BROOKS COUNTY AIRPORT REIDSVILLE AIRPORT TREUTLEN COUNTY AIRPORT SYLVESTER AIRPORT ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL AIRPORT BURKE COUNTY AIRPORT WRENS MEMORIAL AIRPORT

18 G E O R G I A E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

Designated LEVEL I Airports

Associated City New Airports MONROE COUNTY RABUN COUNTY

Airport Name

Replacement Airports

DAHLONEGA

LUMPKIN COUNTY-WIMPY'S AIRPORT

Existing Airports New Airports Replacement Airports RUNWAY EXTENSION RECOMMENDED

Future Aviation System

Georgia Aviation System Level II Airports

Associated City ADEL ALMA BAXLEY BRUNSWICK BUTLER CAMILLA CANTON CLAXTON CORDELE DAWSON DONALSONVILLE FITZGERALD GREENSBORO GRIFFIN HAMPTON HOMERVILLE JASPER JEFFERSON LAFAYETTE MACON MONROE MOULTRIE PERRY PINE MOUNTAIN
SANDERSVILLE SWAINSBORO SYLVANIA TOCCOA WASHINGTON

Airport Name COOK COUNTY AIRPORT BACON COUNTY AIRPORT BAXLEY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT McKINNON ST. SIMONS AIRPORT BUTLER MUNICIPAL AIRPORT CAMILLA-MITCHELL COUNTY AIRPORT CHEROKEE COUNTY AIRPORT CLAXTON-EVANS COUNTY AIRPORT CRISP COUNTY-CORDELE AIRPORT DAWSON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT DONALSONVILLE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT FITZGERALD MUNICIPAL AIRPORT GREENE COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT GRIFFIN-SPALDING COUNTY AIRPORT CLAYTON COUNTY-TARA FIELD HOMERVILLE AIRPORT PICKENS COUNTY AIRPORT JACKSON COUNTY AIRPORT BARWICK LAFAYETTE AIRPORT HERBERT SMART DOWNTOWN AIRPORT MONROE-WALTON COUNTY AIRPORT MOULTRIE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT PERRY-HOUSTON COUNTY AIRPORT CALLAWAY GARDENS-HARRIS COUNTY AIRPORT KAOLIN FIELD EMANUEL COUNTY AIRPORT PLANTATION AIRPARK TOCCOA-R.G. LETOURNEAU FIELD WASHINGTON-WILKES COUNTY AIRPORT

New Airports EFFINGHAM COUNTY FORSYTH/DAWSON COUNTY PAULDING COUNTY

Replacement Airports

HINESVILLE

LIBERTY COUNTY AIRPORT

ST MARYS

ST MARYS AIRPORT

Designated LEVEL II Airports
Existing Airports New Airports Replacement Airports RUNWAY EXTENSION RECOMMENDED
19 G E O R G I A E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

Future Aviation System

Georgia Aviation System Level III Airports

Associated City ALBANY AMERICUS ATHENS ATLANTA ATLANTA ATLANTA AUGUSTA BAINBRIDGE BLAIRSVILLE BLAKELY BRUNSWICK CALHOUN CARTERSVILLE CARROLLTON COLUMBUS CORNELIA COVINGTON DALTON DOUGLAS DUBLIN EASTMAN GAINESVILLE JESUP LAGRANGE LAWRENCEVILLE LOUISVILLE MACON MARIETTA MILLEDGEVILLE NEWNAN ROME SAVANNAH STATESBORO THOMASTON THOMASVILLE THOMSON TIFTON

Airport Name SOUTHWEST GEORGIA REGIONAL AIRPORT SOUTHER FIELD ATHENS/BEN EPPS AIRPORT PEACHTREE CITY-FALCON FIELD FULTON COUNTY-BROWN FIELD DEKALB-PEACHTREE AIRPORT AUGUSTA REGIONAL AT BUSH FIELD DECATUR COUNTY IND. AIR PARK BLAIRSVILLE AIRPORT EARLY COUNTY AIRPORT BRUNSWICK GOLDEN ISLES AIRPORT TOM B. DAVID FIELD CARTERSVILLE AIRPORT WEST GEORGIA REGIONAL-O.V. GRAY FIELD COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN AIRPORT HABERSHAM COUNTY AIRPORT COVINGTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT DALTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT DOUGLAS MUNICIPAL AIRPORT W.H. "BUD" BARRON AIRPORT HEART OF GEORGIA REGIONAL AIRPORT LEE GILMER MEMORIAL AIRPORT WILLIAM A. ZORN AIRPORT LAGRANGE-CALLAWAY AIRPORT GWINNETT COUNTY AIRPORT-BRISCOE FIELD LOUISVILLE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT MIDDLE GEORGIA REGIONAL AIRPORT COBB COUNTY-MCCOLLUM FIELD BALDWIN COUNTY AIRPORT NEWNAN-COWETA COUNTY AIRPORT RICHARD B. RUSSELL REGIONAL AIRPORT SAVANNAH-HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT STATESBORO - BULLOCK COUNTY AIRPORT THOMASTON-UPSON COUNTY AIRPORT THOMASVILLE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT THOMSON-MCDUFFIE REGIONAL AIRPORT HENRY TIFT MYERS AIRPORT

20 G E O R G I A E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

Designated LEVEL III Airports

Associated City VALDOSTA VIDALIA WAYCROSS WINDER

Airport Name VALDOSTA REGIONAL AIRPORT VIDALIA MUNICIPAL AIRPORT WAYCROSS-WARE COUNTY AIRPORT WINDER-BARROW COUNTY AIRPORT

General Aviation Airports
Commercial Service Airports
RUNWAY EXTENSIONS RECOMMENDED RUNWAY EXTENSIONS RECOMMENDED-FUNDS COMMITTED

development costs by level

Development Costs
Significant investment on the local, state and federal levels will be required to enable Georgia airports to satisfy all facility and service objectives and to elevate the performance of the system to satisfy each performance measure. An estimated $313 million will be required to satisfy the System Plan`s performance objectives over the next twenty years. While the investment is significant, the potential return is far greater.
Georgia airports are a significant contributor to national, state, regional, and local economies. Prior studies by Aviation Programs showed that aviation in Georgia produced an estimated annual $1.8 billion in positive annual economic benefits in 1992. Based on the annual rate of inflation alone, this annual economic benefit may now range between $2.2 and 2.3 billion. When this annual economic return is compared to the estimated investment needed over the next 20 years to enhance the performance of the system and each airport in that system, it can be clearly seen that the economic return will substantially exceed the needed investment.

AIRPORT LEVEL

PHASE I

PHASE II

PHASE III

TOTAL ALL PHASES

LEVEL I LEVEL II LEVEL III REPLACEMENT AIRPORTS NEW AIRPORTS

$10,429,506 $38,653,981 $83,273,557
$1,791,100 $750,000

$12,399,133 $25,114,865 $12,363,550 $10,594,700 $29,454,400

$14,650,600 $22,290,045 $18,278,000
$7,108,200 $25,559,600

$37,479,229 $86,058,891 $113,915,107 $19,494,000 $55,764,000

SYSTEM TOTAL

$134,898,144 $89,926,638 $87,886,445 $312,711,226

Source: 27JAN03 LPA airport data files

These cost do not include most pavement maintenance costs, nor do they include all costs that may be contained in individual airport capital improvement plans.

LEVEL III Airports

36%

28% 12%

24%

LEVEL II Airports LEVEL I Airports

New and Replacement Airports

The Georgia Aviation System Plan identified costs that will be incurred to elevate the performance of the airport system and enable individual airports in the system to fulfill their designated roles. The Pavement Management Study has further identified costs needed to allow all airports in the system to maintain their runways, taxiways and apron areas at a PCI of 70 or greater. At least $27 million will be needed annually to improve and maintain the airport system. Aviation Programs now has an annual budget ranging between $3 and $4 million to meet this need. The Aviation Tax Revenue Study concluded that aviation contributes approximately $100 million to Georgia in tax revenue alone, with $70 million contributed to Georgia's General Revenue Fund. The annual economic return from Georgia airports far exceeds the system investment needs.

development costs by type

Planning and

2% Short Term Primary Runway Maintenance

Environmental Studies 4%

2% Other

Lighting and NAVAIDS 5%

Land Aquistion and Earthwork

16%

44%

Runways and Taxiways

Landside Facilities and Fuel

27%

21 G E O R G I A E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

Air Service Study
Commercial Passenger Demand
Each county in Georgia has some inherent level of demand for commercial airline travel. A county's demand for commercial airline travel varies, but a common set of factors determining demand for commercial airline travel includes population, employment, income, and tourism. A complex equation of variables including fares, specific air carriers, flight frequency/schedules, types of aircraft being flown, and airport accessibility, determines where each county's demand is served.
Major findings from the Air Service Study include:
The number of originating airline travelers (both residents and visitors) that are associated with all Georgia counties increased from 8,048,587 in 1992 to 12,475,318 in 2002.
Georgia's number of annual originating commercial airline passengers grew, although the actual number of enplaning passengers between 1992 and 2002 fell at several commercial airports. Only Hartsfield Atlanta International, Valdosta Regional, and Savannah International recorded enplanement increases for this time frame.

passenger attraction and diversion
Passengers IN
1992: 718,532 2002: 1,029,375
Passengers OUT
1992: 245,278 2002: 261,163

22 G E O R G I A E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

georgia passenger originations 1992
8,048,587

2002
12,475,318

Air Service Study
Georgia Passenger Originations
The market area for Hartsfield Atlanta International within Georgia has grown. This growth can be attributed to the comparatively lower fares that are now available at this major international airport. Growth at Hartsfield has contributed to declining passenger enplanement levels at other commercial airports in Georgia.
Hartsfield Atlanta International experienced growth in its domestic and international airline service. Several Georgia airports once served by large commercial jets now have only regional jet service. Relative changes in commercial airline service have resulted in more Georgia passengers choosing Hartsfield as their departure airport.
In 1992, 718,532 originating passengers were attracted to Georgia from nearby states. By 2002, out-of-state enplaning passenger attraction had increased to 1,029,375 passengers. This represents a 30 percent increase in passenger attraction.
In 1992, an estimated 245,278 enplaning passengers left Georgia primarily for lower fares offered by competing airports in neighboring states. By 2002, this passenger diversion had increased only slightly to 261,163, representing only a 6 percent increase in passenger diversion.
Over the past 10 years, Georgia's growth in passenger attraction has far exceeded in passenger diversion.
Passengers Out
Passengers In

passenger attraction and diversion

Tennessee 23,429

North Carolina 66,544

Chattanooga 23,429

Greenville/Spartanburg 19,007

Alabama 523,199 Birmingham ATLANTA
31,553

ATHENS

South Carolina 60,083 South Carolina 59,347

AUGUSTA

Alabama 6,355
COLUMBUS

MACON

South Carolina 241,828
SAVANNAH

ALBANY

Florida 21,176

Florida 11,478
BRUNSWICK

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Tallahassee 26,115

VALDOSTA
Florida 1,103

Jacksonville 143,063

23 G E O R G I A E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

Summary

The Georgia Aviation System is a comprehensive and progressive system of public airports designed to meet the transportation and economic needs of Georgia. Aviation Programs, Georgia Department of Transportation, has, through the update of its Aviation System Plan, identified an aggressive approach to improve and enhance the statewide aviation system to meet Georgia's current and future aviation needs.

The update to the Georgia Aviation System Plan contained the following elements:

PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT STUDY

AVIATION TAX REVENUE STUDY

AIR SERVICE/PASSENGER DEMAND STUDY

AVIATION SYSTEM PLAN

The PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT STUDY evaluated runway, taxiway, and apron areas at 94 general aviation and 9 commercial airports.

These 103 public use airports have over 1.4 million square yards of pavement.

A pavement condition index (PIC) of 70 was established as a goal for all airports.

Over the next 10 years, an average annual investment of $7 million will be needed to keep all general aviation pavements at a PCI of 70 or greater and $4 million will be needed to keep all commercial airport pavements at a PCI of 70 or greater.

The overall PCI rating for the Georgia airports could drop below 60 within as little as five years without investments noted.

The AVIATION TAX REVENUE STUDY determined that aviation related activities make a significant contribution to state and local tax revenue streams.

Over $100 million in aviation related taxes are collected in Georgia each year:

aviation fuel - $35 million

aircraft sales - $4 million

aviation goods and services - $31 million aircraft ad valoreum taxes - $30 million.

Approximately $70 million in aviation related taxes is contributed annually to the Georgia General Revenue Fund. The remaining $30 million remains in the counties.

More than $32 million in State aid is requested by Georgia airports annually.

The AIR SERVICE/PASSENGER DEMAND STUDY measured resident and visitor related demand for commercial airline travel on a county-by-county basis.
Georgia's total originating commercial airline passengers increased from 8 million to 12.5 million over the past ten years.
Many of Georgia's smaller commercial airports experienced declining levels of enplaned passengers as a result of intense airline fare and service competition.
Georgia benefits from an estimated 1,029,375 travelers from neighboring states who fly from Georgia's commercial airports, up 30% over the past ten years.
Georgia sends only 261,163 of its originating passengers to competing airports in neighboring states.
Georgia's passenger attraction far exceeds its passenger diversion.
The GEORGIA AVIATION SYSTEM PLAN identified future needs for all public airports in Georgia, providing Aviation Programs with a blueprint for the development of the Georgia Aviation System.
All airports were assigned to one of three levels or functional roles: Level I is the minimum standard general aviation airport; Level II is business airports of local impact; and Level III is business airports of regional impact.
Five new and 3 replacement airports are recommended to meet operating capacity or targets for system accessibility.
System airports needing longer runways, improved instrument approaches, and facility and service enhancements were identified.
Specific airport and systemwide costs for airport development were calculated. Approximately $142 million is needed over the next five years and $178 million is needed over the following 15 years for airport development.
Georgia has experienced rapid growth over the past decade. Increased population, new businesses, and industrial growth underline the need for a progressive airport system. Airport development is a key factor in the economic growth and the well being of all Georgia communities. The Georgia Aviation System Plan is an important tool for ensuring the aviation system in Georgia will meet economic and transportation needs of Georgia's citizens now and in the future.

24 G E O R G I A E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

For more information contact: Georgia Department of Transportation Aviation Programs 276 Memorial Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30303

Prepared by: Wilbur Smith Associates, Inc. www.wilbursmith.com