APPLICATION UNDER

SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

DOCKET DOT-OST-2014-0133 

SUMMARY INFORMATION1

All applicants must submit this Summary Information schedule, as the application 

coversheet, a completed standard form SF424 and the full application proposal on 

www.grants.gov. 

For your preparation convenience, this Summary Information schedule is located at 

http://www.dot.gov/policy/aviation-policy/small-community-rural-air-service/SCASDP

A. PROVIDE THE LEGAL SPONSOR AND ITS DUN AND BRADSTREET (D&B) DATA UNIVERSAL 

NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBER, INCLUDING +4, EMPLOYEE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 

(EIN) OR TAX ID.

Legal Sponsor Name: 

Name of Signatory Party for Legal Sponsor:

DUNS Number:

EIN/Tax ID:

B. LIST THE NAME OF THE COMMUNITY OR CONSORTIUM OF COMMUNITIES APPLYING: 

1.____________________________________________________ 

2.____________________________________________________ 

3.____________________________________________________ 

4.____________________________________________________ 

C. PROVIDE THE FULL AIRPORT NAME AND 3-LETTER IATA AIRPORT CODE FOR THE 

APPLICANT(S) AIRPORT(S) (ONLY PROVIDE CODES FOR THE AIRPORT(S) THAT ARE ACTUALLY 

SEEKING SERVICE).

1. 2.

3. 4.

 

1 Note that the Summary Information does not count against the 20-page limit of the SCASDP application.
DOES THE AIRPORT SEEKING SERVICE HOLD AN AIRPORT OPERATING CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY 

THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION UNDER 14 CFR PART 139? (IF “NO”, PLEASE 

EXPLAIN WHETHER THE AIRPORT INTENDS TO APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OR WHETHER AN 

APPLICATION UNDER PART 139 IS PENDING.) 

Yes No (explain)

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________ 

D. LIST THE 2-DIGIT CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CODE APPLICABLE TO THE SPONSORING 

ORGANIZATION, AND IF A CONSORTIUM, TO EACH PARTICIPATING COMMUNITY.

1. 2.

3. 4.

E. APPLICANT INFORMATION: (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) 

Not a Consortium Interstate Consortium Intrastate Consortium

Community currently receives subsidized Essential Air Service

Community (or Consortium member) previously received a Small Community Air 

Service Development Program Grant

If previous recipient: Provide year of grant(s):_______________________________; and, 

the text of the grant agreement section(s) setting forth the scope of the grant project:

_________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________ 

F. PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS: (LIST ORGANIZATION NAMES) 

PUBLIC PRIVATE

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.
G. PROJECT PROPOSAL:

 1. GRANT GOALS: (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) 

Launch New Carrier Secure Additional Service Upgrade Aircraft

First Service New Route Service Restoration

Regional Service Surface Transportation Professional Services2

Other (explain below)

2. FINANCIAL TOOLS TO BE USED: (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) 

Marketing (including Advertising): promotion of the air service to the public 

Start-up Cost Offset: offsetting expenses to assist an air service provider in setting up a 

new station and starting new service (for example, ticket counter reconfiguration)

Revenue Guarantee: an agreement with an air service provider setting forth a minimum 

guaranteed profit margin, a portion of which is eligible for reimbursement by the 

community 

Recruitment of Air Carrier: air service development activities to recruit new air service, 

including expenses for airport marketers to meet with air service providers to make the 

case for new air service

Fee Waivers: waiver of airport fees, such as landing fees, to encourage new air service; 

counted as in-kind contributions only 

Ground Handling Fee: reimbursement of expenses for passenger, cabin, and ramp (below 

wing) services provided by third party ground handlers 

Travel Bank: travel pledges, or deposited monetary funds, from participating parties for 

the purchase of air travel on an air carrier, with defined procedures for the subsequent use 

of the pledges or the deposited funds; counted as in-kind contributions only 

 

2 “Professional Services” involve a community contracting with a firm to produce a product such as a marketing 

plan, study, air carrier proposal, etc.
Other (explain below) 

______________________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________________ 

H. EXISTING LANDING AIDS AT LOCAL AIRPORT: 

Full ILS Outer/Middle Marker Published Instrument Approach 

Localizer Other (specify)

I. PROJECT COST: DO NOT ENTER TEXT IN SHADED AREA

LINE DESCRIPTION SUB TOTAL TOTAL AMOUNT

1 Federal amount requested

2 State cash financial contribution

Local cash financial contribution

3a Airport cash funds

3b Non-airport cash funds

3 Total local cash funds (3a + 3b)

4 TOTAL CASH FUNDING (1+2+3)

In-Kind contribution

5a Airport In-Kind contribution**

5b Other In-Kind contribution**

5 TOTAL IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION 

(5a + 5b) 

6 TOTAL PROJECT COST (4+5)

J. IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS**

For funds in lines 5a (Airport In-Kind contribution) and 5b (Other In-Kind contribution), please 

describe the source(s) of fund(s) and the value ($) of each.
K. IS THIS APPLICATION SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY AN AFFECTED STATE UNDER EXECUTIVE 

ORDER 12372 PROCESS? 

a. This application was made available to the State under the Executive Order 12372 

Process for review on (date) _____________. 

b. Program is subject to E.O. 12372, but has not been selected by the State for review.

c. Program is not covered by E.O. 12372. 

L. IS THE LEAD APPLICANT OR ANY CO-APPLICANTS DELINQUENT ON ANY FEDERAL DEBT?

(IF “YES”, PROVIDE EXPLANATION) 

No Yes (explain)

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________ 

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

INCLUDED? ITEM

For Immediate Action

Determine Eligibility

New Grants.gov users must register with www.grants.gov.

Existing Grants.gov users must verify existing www.grants.gov account has not expired 

and the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) is current.

For Submission by 5:00 PM EDT on July 31, 2014

Communities with active SCASDP grants: notify DOT/X50 of intent to terminate 

existing grant in order to be eligible for selection in FY2014 

Complete Application for Federal Domestic Assistance (SF424) via www.grants.gov

Summary Information schedule complete and used as cover sheet (see Appendix B)

Application of up to 20 one-sided pages (excluding any letters from the 

community or an air carrier showing support for the application), to include:

• A description of the community’s air service needs or deficiencies.

• A strategic plan for meeting those needs under the Small Community Program.

• A detailed description of the funding necessary for implementation of the 

community's project. 

• An explanation of how the proposed project differs from any previous projects 

for which the community received SCASDP funds (if applicable). 

• Designation of a legal sponsor responsible for administering the program.

• A motion for confidential treatment (if applicable) – see Appendix D below.
1

Small Community Air Service 

Development Program Proposal

Date: July, 31, 2014

Applicant: Ardmore Development Authority

DUNS Number: 148269855

EI Number: 73-0769857

Congressional District: 04

Contact: Brian S. Carter

Office: 580 223 6162

Fax: 580 223 7825

Email: BCarter@Ardmore.Org

410 West Main

P.O. Box 1585

Ardmore, OK 73402
2

 Page Number

Introductory Letter of Support 3

Executive Summary 4

Air Service Environment 5

- Catchment Area 6

- Operations 7

Air Service Needs and Deficiencies 8

Air Service Market Analysis 10

Catchment Area Airport Utilization (Leakage) 12

Market Demand within 600 Air Miles of Ardmore 14

Catchment Area Market Demand – Domestic 15

Strategic Plan for New Air Service 16

Grant Funds Requested and Usage 19

Strategic Plan – Marketing Estimate 20

Execution Timeline 21

Legal Sponsor 22

Table of Contents
3
4

South Central Oklahoma is a fast-growing region characterized by the strong 

presence of manufacturing, energy, agriculture, and distribution industries. It 

is generating more than 650,000 annual O&D passengers to a variety of 

destinations both domestic and international. This region, if it possessed 

commercial service, would be the 4th largest airport in the United States in the 

category of 500,000 to 699,999 passengers. 

This gap in service has created two problems that we are seeking to correct. 

The first is the cost and distance to access the National Transportation 

Network which is currently available 100 miles away (Dallas and Oklahoma 

City). This distance poses an additional 25% cost to the price of standard 

domestic airfare in addition to time lost in transit. The second is the intense 

concentration of local energy companies needing access to other remotely 

located resource locations (there are over 250 local energy companies in this 

region). 

This application is submitted for assistance in the marketing and start-up 

costs for establishing a Part-135 On-Demand service at the Ardmore 

Municipal Airport (ADM). Under Part 135, we will have the flexibility to 

perform a limited number of small passenger routes and provide on-demand 

service. 

With the help of this grant, the Ardmore Development Authority seeks to 

provide for the air service needs for the South Central region of Oklahoma, 

while combating the existing deficiencies in the area. This approach is ‘scaleable’ in a reasonable timeframe and the ADA has established a ready publicprivate partnership with a Part 135-certified carrier for this effort. This 

service will serve as a Phase I effort while proving the feasibility of scheduled

commercial air service in the future. 

Executive Summary
5

Ardmore, OK Market Catchment Area

Air Service Environment
6

Air Service Environment - Operations
7

Ardmore Municipal Airport (ADM) is a general aviation airport located in 

South Central Oklahoma with a population of 7 million people within 90 miles. 

ADM is positioned on Interstate-35, one of the United State’s most vital most 

vital transportation routes. 

The airport has full ILS, localizer, outer and middle markers, published 

instrument approach and manned ATC Tower seven days per week. The Fire 

Crash Rescue service is staffed with four personnel per crew and possesses 

ARFF vehicle and capability.

Two runways provide 5,000 feet and 9,000 feet of landing/take-off space.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Current Project Planning for Airport Upgrade (Project Funding has been 

secured)

New Runway Project (9,000 ft) $18 million

Perimeter Wildlife and Game Fence $1 million

Taxiways/Aprons Replacement $1 million

FAA Equipment Housing Project $1.5 million

The above projects represent a very robust commitment to enhance air 

service accessibility. In 2008, an $18 million project was finished that laid a 

new 9,000 ft runway. We will be assuring maximum reduction of wildlife and 

animal risks by completing our fencing project. By upgrading our taxiways 

and aprons, all issues of FOD risk from antiquated surfaces will be abated also. 

The FAA Equipment Housing Project is going to modernize the ATC facilities.

Air Service Environment - Operations
8

Additional Costs borne by the Ardmore Market to access Air Service

For the travelling public in this robust region, there are currently no 

convenient options for accessing the National Transportation Network.

With a vehicle commute of 100 miles to either OKC or DFW, the travelling 

public of the Ardmore region faces considerably higher costs than the average 

air traveler. It is standard practice to leave this area four-plus hours prior to a 

flight’s departure. As important as time, there is $60 in fuel charges for every 

one of these trips. Even with a percentage of these travelers occurring in 

groups/families, there is a significant additional cost for the public. 

For example, if the total annual passengers travelled in groups of four, there 

would still be almost $10 million per year in fuel expense. 

Cost Analysis for Fuel: 

655,282 total annual passengers / 3 (conservative estimate on ‘group size) 

multiplied by $60 in estimated fuel costs equals $13,105,650 in fuel every 

year. Therefore, conservatively speaking, the residents of the Ardmore 

catchment area are spending nearly $15 million a year to simply access 

commercial air service.

Cost Analysis for Time Costs: 

655,282 total annual passengers at three additional hours of driving time per 

trip equals 1,965,846 man hours every year. Particularly for business, these 

costs are significant and persistent.

Air Service Needs and Deficiencies
9

Unique Energy Industry Travel Requirements

Regarding the services provided by Potomac Air Charter (Phase 1), the 

Ardmore service area has a particular need for on-demand travel to a number 

of varying destinations. This is largely due to the nearly 300 energy industry 

companies and corporations located in this area. These businesses are vital to 

the economic health of this region and as of now, are required to send their 

employees to Oklahoma City or Dallas to access transportation from which 

point they often arrive at their destination and still are required to rent a 

vehicle to reach targeted rural sites and locations. The proposed air taxi 

service provides an avenue for these companies, as well as average civilians, 

to charter a flight to municipal or general aviation airports.

Air Service Needs and Deficiencies (con’t)
10

Methodology

The Assessment Analysis (Leakage Study) begins with a detailed evaluation of 

the airport service area to define its primary service area for the airport. This 

method utilizes current and historical passenger, fare, and booking data 

including U.S. Department of Transportation origin and destination passenger 

and ARC Market Locator passenger data, and various GDS data. Passenger 

Demand Analysis was conducted on the zip code level identifying airline, 

airport of choice and retention and leakage rates by destination.

The analysis reviewed current market demand including passenger data for 

the top 50 Ardmore originating markets. Finally, the credit card transaction 

analysis details the local originating demand that would most effectively be 

served by the Ardmore Airport and will also enable us to accurately quantify 

the demand travel generated in the primary service area.

The analysis also identifies potential markets within 600 air miles of Ardmore 

to support air taxi service originating out of the Ardmore Airport.

Summary of Results

 If Ardmore had Commercial Air Service, it would rank as the 4th largest 

airport with O&D Passengers between 500,000 – 699,999.

 The Ardmore Catchment Area Generated 655,282 O&D Passengers for 

the YE Ending 12/31/13.

 The total passenger demand being generated within the Ardmore 

Catchment Area is larger than the total O&D Passengers being generated 

at Pasco, Wash., South Bend, Ind., Gulfport, Miss., and Corpus Christi, 

Tex.

Air Service Market Analysis
11

 The Ardmore Catchment Area generates nearly 900 PDEW (Passengers 

Daily Each Way) including 86 International PDEW. 

 Of the total domestic 406,986 O&D Ardmore Passengers (travelling on 

mainline carriers), 236,209 or 58% are Routing on AA combined at 

DFW & OKC.

 Top 5 Domestic Markets being generated out of the Ardmore Catchment 

Area are: Las Vegas (LAS), Denver (DEN), Orlando - Sanford(SBF), 

Houston Hobby (HOU) and Seattle (SEA).

Immediate Implications for Part 135 On-Demand “Air Taxi”

 For the effective Top 15 Markets From The Ardmore Service Area 

Generates 167.5 PDEWS Within 600 Air Miles of Ardmore 

 An Air Taxi Service at Ardmore Airport can effectively serve 21% of 

Ardmore originating PDEWs in the Top 15 Ardmore Domestic Markets. 

 52 Markets From The Ardmore Service Area Generates 195 PDEWS 

Within 600 Air Miles of Ardmore.

 An Air Taxi Service at Ardmore Airport can effectively serve 22% of 

Ardmore originating PDEWs in 52 of Ardmore ‘s domestic markets 

within 600 air miles of Ardmore. 

 The top 5 targeted Air Taxi potential markets within 600 mile radius of 

Ardmore are Denver, Houston (Hobby). New Orleans, San Antonio and 

Saint Louis.

Air Service Market Analysis
12

The Ardmore Catchment Area Generated 655,282 O&D Passengers for the 

YE Ending 12/31/13.

Catchment Area Airport Utilization (Leakage)
13

Catchment Area Airport Utilization (Leakage)
14

The Top 15 Markets from the Ardmore Service 

Area Generates 167.5 Passengers Daily Each Way 

within 600 Miles of Ardmore.

Market Demand within 600 Air Miles of Ardmore
15

Destination 

Code Destination City Dom/Int

Base 

Pax.

Total 

Pax.

Total 

PDEW

LAS Las Vegas DOM 24,534 37,414 51.3

DEN Denver DOM 13,678 25,886 35.5

SBF Orlando - Sanford DOM 15,457 25,377 34.8

HOU Hou Hobby DOM 10,589 19,966 27.4

SEA Seattle DOM 9,838 17,978 24.6

LAX Los Angeles DOM 8,560 15,546 21.3

PHX Phoenix/Mesa DOM 7,560 14,175 19.4

LGA NYC LGA DOM 6,631 12,359 16.9

ATL Atlanta DOM 6,166 11,897 16.3

BOS Boston DOM 6,269 11,648 16.0

SFO San Francisco DOM 5,869 11,329 15.5

ORD Chicago O’Hare DOM 6,099 11,220 15.4

MSY New Orleans DOM 6,792 11,143 15.3

SAN San Diego DOM 5,935 10,261 14.1

SAT San Antonio DOM 5,067 9,504 13.0

BWI Baltimore DOM 4,709 9,376 12.8

TPA Tampa DOM 4,987 8,559 11.7

SMF Sacramento DOM 4,386 7,968 10.9

STL Saint Louis DOM 3,774 7,925 10.9

AUS Austin DOM 4,088 7,774 10.6

PDX Portland DOM 4,143 7,515 10.3

DCA Washington Nat. DOM 4,433 7,321 10.0

Catchment Area Market Demand - Domestic
16

Proposed Air Service

As previously described, we are proposing a two phase project to establish 

commercial air service in this underserved market. The first phase will be a 

Part 135 On-Demand service to prove the demand for air service. The second 

phase will be the transition to regular scheduled service after the market 

demand levels are confirmed. This application is for Phase I only.

Public/Private Partnership

The Ardmore Development Authority has authorized a partnership with 

Potomac Air Charter of Sterling, Virginia. This partnership will establish a 

two-year initial commitment whereby Part 135 service will be available. 

Under Part 135, we can schedule a limited number of flights in planes less 

than 9 passengers and respond to requests for service to locations not served 

by air service. Through this approach, we can prove the demand level with far 

less investment than in trying to begin scheduled air service through a 

regional/national carrier. 

Strategic Plan for New Air Service
17

Implications of the Market Analysis

From the market analysis, the daily demand for service to the following cities 

is robust:

- Las Vegas

- Denver

- Orlando

- Houston

Preliminary Cost Estimates

Our initial research and partnership with Potomac Air Charter indicates that 

the Part 135 service can be provided for roughly $1,500 per flight hour. The 

below are examples of this service and its estimated costs for select cities:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part 135 from Ardmore, OK 

Ardmore, OK to Houston, TX

Total Cost Round Trip: $3,200 / 9 personnel = $355 per person

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------

Price on 7/31 via for scheduled carrier service from DFW – Houston

United: $319 plus mileage at IRS Rate:

US Airways:$319

American: $319

Strategic Plan for New Air Service
18

Frontier: $342

Mileage Cost at IRS Rate of $0.55 per mile = $110 additional charge for the 

above commercial service plus 6 additional hours of travel time to DFW 

Airport from Ardmore, OK. 

Total Cost on carrier from DFW – Houston = $419 - $442 plus a half-day of 

travel

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Strategic Plan for New Air Service
19

The total grant funding requested is $400,000. This will be matched with 

$100,000 from the Ardmore Development Authority in Non-Airport Revenues. 

Additionally, the ADA has dedicated $3,525,600 in airport improvements and 

in-kind contributions (fencing, taxiways/aprons, FAA facility— see Airport 

information on Page 8).

The chart on the next page displays the estimated marketing budget, totaling 

$274,250. The balance of $225,750 will be used to off-set the following startup costs:

- Transfer of identified Aircraft to Ardmore

- Cost Rebate at 10% of per hour cost of $1,600

o For example, 30 flight hours at $1,600 / hour = $48,000

o Potomac Air Charter would receive $4,800 rebate 

This method of reimbursement provides payment after services granted by 

the private carrier.

Timing and Use of Funds

- All funds for both Marketing would be used by September 1st, 2015

- All funds for the Cost rebate would be used by July 1st, 2016.

Grant Funds Requested and Usage
20

Strategic Plan - Marketing Estimate
21

Step Completion 

Date

Office Space/Signage Q4 2014

Contracts with FBO Q4 2014

Pilot Assignments Q4 2014

Aircraft Assignments Q4 2014

Newspaper, Internet, Radio, TV, 

Direct Mail as defined in 

Marketing Analysis

Q1 2015

Additional Airport Improvements Completion Date

Improved Fencing Q4 2014

New Markings, Lightings, &

Taxiway Aprons - Engineering

Q1 2015

New Markings, Lightings, &

Taxiway Aprons - Engineering

Q4 2015

Execution Timeline
22

Ardmore Development Authority

Brian Carter

410 West Main

P.O. Box 1585

Ardmore, OK 73402

Phone: 580-223-6162

Fax: 580-223-7825

bcarter@ardmore.org

Legal Sponsor
23

Appendix: Congressional Letter of Support
24
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