HQ-08370

Airport Cooperative 

Research Program(ACRP)

2005-2007

Report of the Secretary of Transportation

to the United States Congress

Pursuant to Section 44511 of Title 49, United States Code

June 1, 2008

Federal Aviation Administration

Associate Administrator for Airports
This page intentionally left blank. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) i

Table of Contents 

Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v 

Chapter 1: Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

 ACRP Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

 ACRP Research Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

 Research Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Chapter 2: Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

 Program Origins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

 Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act 

 for the 21st Century (AIR 21) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

 TRB Special Report 272 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

 Vision 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

 Memorandum of Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

 Initiation Milestones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

 DOT/FAA Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

Chapter 3: Organizational Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

 Cooperative Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

 The AOC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

 AOC Composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

 The National Academies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

 The National Academies Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

 The Transportation Research Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

 National Academies and TRB Management of ACRP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

 TRB as the AOC Secretariat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

 The Federal Aviation Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

 FAA Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

 Airport Industry Stakeholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 

Chapter 4: The Research Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

 Phase 1 - Research Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

 1.1 Solicitation of Research Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

 1.2 Evaluation of Problem Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

 1.3 Selection of Problem Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

 Phase 2 - Project Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

 2.1 Technical Panel Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

 2.2 Development of Requests for Proposals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

 2.3 Selection of Researchers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

 2.4 Execution of Research Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

 Phase 3 - Project Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

 3.1 Monitoring Research Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

 3.2 Reviewing Research Deliverables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) ii

 3.3 Closing Out Research Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

 Special Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

 Research Completion: Publishing and Disseminating Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

 Promoting Application of Research Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

 Types of ACRP Research Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

 Standard Research Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

 Synthesis Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

 Legal Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

 Continuation Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

 Quick-Response Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

 Workshop on Research Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

 Graduate Research Award Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

Chapter 5: ACRP Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

 The Fiscal Year (FY) 2005/2006 Research Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

 FY 2007 Research Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

 FY 2008 Research Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

 Program Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

 Progress Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 

Chapter 6: Findings and Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

 Findings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

 Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 

Appendix A: Research Project Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

 Completed Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

 Ongoing Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4

 1. Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4

 2. Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7

 3. Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-9

 4. Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-13

 5. Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-15

 6. Human Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-15 

 7. Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-15

 8. Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-17 

 9. Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-17 

 10. Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-17 

 11-01. Legal Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-19

 11-02. Quick-Response Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-22 

 11-03. Synthesis Studies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-24 

Appendix B: ACRP Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1 

Appendix C: Vision 100 Century of Aviation Reauthorization Legislation . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) iii

List of Figures and Tables 

FIGURES 

Figure 1: ACRP Organizational Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Figure 2: The National Academies Organizational Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 

Figure 3: The ACRP Research Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

 

TABLES 

Table 1: ACRP Research Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Table 2: ACRP Initiation Milestones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

Table 3: The ACRP Oversight Committee (AOC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Table 4: Sample Phase 1 Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

Table 5: Sample Phase 2 Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

Table 6: Sample Phase 3 Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

Table 7: ACRP Operational Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

Table 8: First AOC Meeting, January 2006 – FY 2005/2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

Table 9: First AOC Meeting: Itemized Special Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Table 10: First Synthesis Panel Meeting, May 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

Table 11: First Legal Panel Meeting, June 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

Table 12: Summary of ACRP Progress – First AOC Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 

Table 13: Second AOC Meeting, July 2006 – Initial FY 2007 Research Program . . . . . . . . 34 

Table 14: Second AOC Meeting: Itemized Special Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 

Table 15: Second Synthesis Panel Meeting, November 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 

Table 16: Summary of ACRP Progress – Second AOC Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

Table 17: Third AOC Meeting, January 2007 – Remaining FY 2007 Research Program . . 37 

Table 18: Third AOC Meeting - Itemized Special Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

Table 19: Summary of ACRP Progress – Third AOC Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

Table 20: Fourth AOC Meeting, July 07 – FY 2008 Research Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 

Table 21: Fourth AOC Meeting - Itemized Special Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

Table 22: Second Legal Panel Meeting, October 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 

Table 23: Fourth Synthesis Panel Meeting, December 2007. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 

Table 24: Summary of ACRP Progress – Fourth AOC Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 

Table 25: ACRP FY 2005/2006 Program Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 

Table 26: ACRP FY 2007 Program Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

Table 27: ACRP FY 2008 Program Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 

Table 28: ACRP Fact Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 

Table 29: Allocation of ACRP Funds Through 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

Table 30: Origin of Problem Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

Table 31: Panel Composition of Active Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) iv

This page intentionally left blank. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) v

Executive Summary 

Airports are vital national resources. There are approximately 600 commercial-service airports 

and 2,800 smaller general aviation airports that make up the national airport system. These 

airports operate in a complex environment with many, and often competing, requirements and 

expectations. To succeed in this environment, airport operators need access to high quality, 

reliable information and technical guidance based on sound research. 

In recognition of these needs, the Vision 100–Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act of 2003 

(Vision 100) established the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP). The purpose of 

ACRP is to carry out applied research on problems that are shared by airport operating agencies 

and are not being adequately addressed by existing Federal research programs. ACRP 

undertakes research in a variety of airport subject areas, including design, construction, 

environment, maintenance, safety, policy, planning, human resources, administration, and 

operations. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) submits this report about the ACRP to the 

U.S. Congress in accordance with Section 44511, Aviation Research Grants, of Vision 100. This 

report covers all program activities from the events leading up to the authorizing legislation 

through the end of the calendar year 2007 (December 31, 2007). 

As called for in Vision 100, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was developed to provide 

organizational guidance for the three main entities that fund, administer, and oversee ACRP. 

The FAA funds the program. The Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National 

Academies administers the program. The ACRP Oversight Committee (AOC), an independent 

governing board comprised of airport managers, appropriate Federal agencies, and other aviation 

officials appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, selects all of the program’s research 

projects (Table 3 on page 9 shows the current AOC membership). The other main participants 

are the airport industry stakeholders: they serve as the foundation of ACRP. The program 

benefits from the cooperation and participation of airport professionals, air carriers, shippers, 

State and local government officials, equipment and service suppliers, airport users, educational 

institutions, other research organizations, and the general flying public. These stakeholders 

generate project ideas, guide projects while they are under way, and serve as the ultimate endusers of the final research products. 

ACRP Process 

Potential research ideas, in the form of “problem statements”, are submitted to ACRP throughout 

the year from the airport industry stakeholders. The AOC meets twice per year to review all 

submitted research problem statements and select the most promising projects for funding. 

Approximately 20 to 25 projects are initiated annually. Following the AOC selection meeting, 

the administrative process of preparing for each project begins. As program administrators, 

TRB staff adjusts the original problem scope according to the guidance of the AOC, coordinate 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) vi

project meeting dates, and select qualified individuals to serve as experts on the individual 

project technical panels. 

A basic outline of the research process is as follows: 

Phase 1: Research Selection 

• Airport industry stakeholders submit research needs (problem statements) to TRB 

• TRB and FAA staff review problem statements 

• AOC convenes and selects projects for initiation 

Phase 2: Project Development 

• TRB staff make project preparations (e.g. select panel members) 

• First Technical Panel meeting refines research scope (2 days) 

• TRB issues Request for Proposal (RFP) 

• Researchers submit proposals to TRB (approximately 6 weeks) 

• Technical Panel reviews all proposals (approximately 1 month) 

• Second Technical Panel meeting results in contractor selection (1 day) 

• TRB negotiates contract with researchers (approximately 2 months) 

Phase 3: Project Management 

• Technical Panel and researcher hold kickoff meeting to provide comments, modifications 

• Researcher submits interim deliverables to TRB 

• Technical Panel and researcher hold meeting(s) to assess progress, provide guidance 

• Researcher submits draft and final reports 

• Technical Panel makes comments and modifications 

• TRB publishes final report 

Program Results 

During its short history, ACRP has made excellent progress. The initial idea for an airport 

research program gained ground with the FAA’s Reauthorization (AIR 21) in April 2000. Since 

that date, the program has met the following major program milestones: 

 April 2000 AIR 21 authorizes study of the need for ACRP. 

 March 2002 FAA contracts with TRB, and study of the need for ACRP begins. 

 March 2003 TRB issues Special Report 272, recommending an ACRP. 

 December 2003 Vision 100 authorizes ACRP. 

 September 2005 Memorandum of Agreement executed, Secretary of Transportation 

 appoints AOC, and FAA provides initial program funding 

 January 2006 First AOC meeting, 29 projects initiated 

 July 2006 Second AOC meeting, 26 projects initiated 

 January 2007 Third AOC meeting, 12 projects initiated 

 July 2007 Fourth AOC meeting, 27 projects initiated 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) vii

As a result of the AOC meetings in 2006 and 2007, ACRP has allocated over $24 million for 

over 94 research projects that will result in a variety of products. The nature of airport problems 

requires ACRP research to have products specifically tailored to obtain maximum effectiveness. 

Two main types of research projects are usually initiated: “standard” research or “special” 

research. Standard research projects are relatively low-cost studies lasting 1 to 2 years and 

resulting in original research that can be published as a report, guidebook, multimedia disk (CD 

or DVD), computer software, informational pamphlet, and/or a presentation. Special research 

projects are conducted in areas of specific interest to the airport community, such as: legal 

aspects of airport programs, quick-response studies for special needs, synthesis of information 

related to airport problems, and a graduate research award program on public-sector aviation 

issues. The products of special research will generally be legal briefs or short reports intended to 

capture and consolidate information or practices currently in use by the airport industry. 

As of December 2007, 14 of the 94 initiated projects are complete. They have generated 2 

reports, 10 synthesis studies, 1 research digest, and 1 workshop: 

• Safety Management Systems for Airports, Vol.1: Overview 

 (Report 1 / originally ACRP #11-02/T4) 

• Ground Access to Major Airports by Public Transportation 

 (Report 2 / originally ACRP #11-02/T2) 

• Innovative Finance and Alternative Sources of Revenue for Airports 

 (Synthesis 1 / originally ACRP #11-03/S01-01) 

• Aviation Forecasting Methodologies 

 (Synthesis 2 / originally ACRP #11-03/S03-01) 

• General Aviation Safety and Security Practices 

 (Synthesis 3 / originally ACRP #11-03/S04-01) 

• Counting Aircraft Traffic Operations at Small and Non-Towered Airports 

 (Synthesis 4 / originally ACRP #11-03/S10-01) 

• Airport Ground Access Mode Choice Models 

 (Synthesis 5 / originally ACRP #11-03 / S03-02) 

• Impact of Airport Pavement Deicing Products on Aircraft and Airfield Infrastructure 

 (Synthesis 6 / originally ACRP #11-03 / S10-03) 

• Airport Economic Impact Methods and Models 

 (Synthesis 7 / originally ACRP #11-03 / S03-03) 

• Common Use Facilities and Equipment at Airports 

 (Synthesis 8 / originally ACRP #11-03 / S10-02) 

• Effects of Aircraft Noise: Update on Selected Topics 

 (Synthesis 9 / originally ACRP #11-03 / S02-01) 

• Airport Sustainability Practices 

 (Synthesis 10 / originally ACRP #11-03 / S02-02) 

• Model for Improving Energy Use in U.S. Airport Facilities 

 (ACRP Research Results Digest 2, Fall 2007 / originally ACRP #11-02/T1) 

• Interagency-Industry Collaboration on Pandemic Planning for Aviation: A Workshop 

 (ACRP Workshop 1, held Sep. 07 / originally ACRP #11-02/T6) 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) viii

These and other ACRP research products are available, free of charge, on the Transportation 

Research Board’s website (http://www.trb.org/ACRP). 

Findings 

Airport operators around the world encounter a wide variety of very complex and difficult issues. 

While every airport is unique, the problems that must be solved are often similar in nature. The 

airport community has a great resource in solving these shared problems through ACRP. 

Research within ACRP covers many areas of interest, and the products can be tailored for 

delivery in many different formats for maximum effectiveness. 

A number of conclusions, and resulting recommendations, can be drawn from the progress of 

ACRP: 

• ACRP serves the airport industry as a dynamic, well-designed vehicle for solving a 

variety of airport problems through applied research. 

• The ACRP MOA provides a strong foundation for the program. 

• The composition of the program’s governing board, the AOC, provides a balanced 

representation of the airport industry. 

• The AOC provides excellent guidance and ensures projects are carefully considered 

during the selection process and funded according to the greatest needs of the industry. 

• ACRP operating costs are contained and in-line with similarly run cooperative research 

programs in other industries. 

• TRB staff provides successful program management and administration of ACRP. 

• There is significant involvement from airport industry stakeholders in all phases of the 

ACRP research cycle. 

Recommendations 

• ACRP should be made permanent. 

• ACRP funding should be increased to perform research addressing the increasing focus 

on airport-related environmental issues. 

Report Organization 

This report is organized into six chapters: 

• Chapter 1: Introduction 

• Chapter 2: Background 

• Chapter 3: Organizational Structure 

• Chapter 4: The Research Process 

• Chapter 5: ACRP Progress 

• Chapter 6: Conclusions and Recommendations 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) ix

Chapter 1 describes the purpose of ACRP and outlines the various research areas in the program. 

The different research project categories, including available product formats, are also 

introduced. 

Chapter 2 discusses the basis for airport cooperative research, the establishment of ACRP, and 

the relationship between ACRP and other Federal research programs. 

Chapter 3 outlines the organizational and administrative structure of ACRP, including major 

participants in the program and their roles in the research process. 

Chapter 4 describes the operational structure of the research program and the three main phases 

of ACRP research. 

Chapter 5 presents the progress of the program since September 2005, when research operations 

officially began, as well as an overview of ACRP finances. 

Chapter 6 discusses preliminary findings and recommendations for future ACRP activities. 

This report also includes appendices for more detailed information. Appendix A provides a 

detailed status of all 94 initiated ACRP projects. Appendix B contains the ACRP Memorandum 

of Agreement, which provides the official structure and procedures for the administration and 

operation of ACRP. Appendix C contains the relevant section in the Vision 100–Century of 

Aviation Authorization Act of 2003 that authorized the creation of ACRP. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) x

This page intentionally left blank. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 1

Chapter 1: Introduction 

The Nation’s airport system is a complex, decentralized, and dynamic network of physical 

facilities, operations, and management practices. Within this rapidly changing environment, 

airport operators must confront an array of challenges. Emerging national problems, increased 

regulatory pressure, the changing economy, and resource constraints are just a few of the varied 

demands that airports must manage. Yet, despite all of these issues, airports must continue to 

operate at the very highest levels of safety and efficiency possible. 

Airport leaders must take a proactive role to address anticipated demands that will be placed on 

the system in the future. Our country’s ability to sustain a robust national airport system is 

dependant on how well the aviation industry can develop innovative solutions to complex 

problems. 

Systematic, well-designed research provides the most effective approach to solving many of the 

problems facing airport operators. In some cases, airport problems are of local interest and can 

best be studied by airport operators individually or in cooperation with universities or other 

institutions and commercial organizations; however, airport research and development of interest 

to many airport operators is best accomplished through a coordinated program of cooperative 

research. 

The Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) exists in order to help address some of the 

airport industry’s most pressing problems. Through applied research, ACRP aims to provide 

significant contributions and much needed guidance to airport operators nationwide. 

ACRP’s Purpose 

The purpose of ACRP is to carry out applied research on complex problems that are shared by 

airport operators. In this capacity, the ACRP helps to study issues that existing Federal research 

programs do not adequately address. 

 

ACRP Research Areas 

ACRP projects seek practical remedies for operational problems in a variety of different research 

areas. Table 1 displays the ACRP classification system, which divides airport research along the 

following broad areas: 

Table 1: ACRP Research Areas 

1. Administration 6. Human Resources 11. Special Projects 

2. Environment 7. Design 11-01 Legal Studies Program 

3. Policy and Planning 8. Construction 11-02 Quick Response Projects 

4. Safety 9. Maintenance 11-03 Synthesis Studies 

5. Security 10. Operations 11-04 Graduate Research Award Program 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 2

Research Categories 

The nature of airport problems requires ACRP research to have products specifically tailored to 

obtain maximum effectiveness. ACRP research projects conducted under areas 1 through 10 are 

considered “standard” projects, while those in area 11 contain the program’s “special” projects. 

Standard research projects are relatively low-cost studies lasting 1 to 2 years and resulting in 

original research that can be published as a report, guidebook, multimedia disk (CD or DVD), 

computer software, informational pamphlet, and/or presentation. 

Special research projects currently address four main areas: legal aspects of airport programs 

(11-01), quick-response studies for special needs (11-02), synthesis of information related to 

airport problems (11-03), and the Graduate Research Award Program on Public-Sector Aviation 

Issues (11-04). The products of this special research will generally be legal briefs or short 

reports intended to capture and consolidate information or practices currently in use by the 

airport industry. 

The National Academies and the Transportation Research Board (TRB) publish and distribute all 

ACRP research products and make them available free of charge on the TRB website 

(http://www.trb.org/ACRP). 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 3

Chapter 2: Background 

Program Origins 

Over the past decade, there has been growing recognition of the need for airport operators to 

pool their ideas and resources to develop practical solutions to their shared problems. 

Cooperative research programs have provided similar assistance to a variety of other industries 

and environments for quite some time. The National Cooperative Highway Research Program 

(NCHRP) and the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP), both run by the National 

Academies, are two programs in particular that have proven to be very successful over the years. 

Throughout the 1990s, many believed that a cooperative research program could similarly 

benefit airports and airport operators. Support for this idea was expressed by many groups and 

individuals, including airport industry trade associations that represent an overwhelming 

majority of the airport community. Included among these were the Airports Council 

International–North America (ACI-NA), the National Association of State Aviation Officials 

(NASAO), and the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). 

Further, many recognized the importance of research for developing critical in-house expertise. 

Applied research does not just produce research products, but also provides invaluable expertise 

that can later be applied to future design, operations, litigation, special investigations, and other 

practical problems. With the changing age profile of U.S. airport professionals, the contribution 

that research can make to succession planning is also a major benefit.

Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century 

(AIR 21) 

A request by Congress in the 2000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization (AIR 

21) called for a more detailed study of the cooperative research question. AIR 21 (Section 906) 

required that: 

 “The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the National Academy of 

 Sciences and representatives of airports, shall evaluate the applicability of the 

 techniques used to fund and administer research under the National Cooperative 

 Highway Research Program and the National Transit [Cooperative] Research 

 Program to the research needs of airports. The Secretary shall transmit to Congress a 

 report on the results of the evaluation conducted under this section.” 

In response, the FAA contracted with the TRB, under the auspices of the National Research 

Council of the National Academy Academies of Sciences, to conduct the study. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 4

TRB Special Report 272 

Following established NRC procedures, the TRB assembled a committee with a range of 

expertise and a balanced perspective on issues related to the study topic; in March 2003, the 

committee published its findings in TRB Special Report 272: Airport Research Needs: 

Cooperative Solutions. Among other items, the report highlighted examples of airport research 

needs in topical areas such as operational safety, maintenance, design of infrastructure and 

equipment, finance and administration, planning, environment, and security. The committee 

concluded that such cooperative research is essential for ensuring airport safety, efficiency, and 

environmental compatibility and urged Congress to establish a national cooperative research 

program for airports. 

VISION 100 

Following industry acceptance of TRB Special Report 272, Congress began the process of 

implementing the report’s recommendations. Later that year, Congress passed Vision 100, 

which formally authorized the creation of ACRP. 

Vision 100 (Section 712) authorized the Secretary of Transportation to establish ACRP as a 

4-year pilot program. Through ACRP, applied research would be carried out on problems “that 

are shared by airport operating agencies and...are not being adequately addressed by existing 

Federal research programs.” In order to perform this task, the Secretary was granted the 

authority to fund the program. 

In keeping with the recommendations of TRB Special Report 272, Vision 100 directed that 

governance of ACRP be similar to that of the National Academies’ NCHRP and TCRP. In 

keeping with these models, and to ensure the independence and objectivity of the program’s 

research, Vision 100 called for the Secretary to select an independent governing board comprised 

of airport managers and other respected industry personnel to oversee the new program. The 

governing board, or ACRP Oversight Committee (AOC), would include individuals chosen for 

their commitment to the success of the Nation’s airport system. Appointments would be made 

from candidates “nominated by national associations representing public airport operating 

agencies, airport executives, State aviation officials, and the scheduled airlines.” Representatives 

from appropriate Federal agencies would also be expected to serve on the AOC. The leadership 

and guidance from such a diverse and successful group of executives would be instrumental in 

ensuring the future success of ACRP. 

Vision 100 also made sure the National Academies would play a critical role in the 

implementation of ACRP. The two-fold mission of the National Academies, as directed by the 

legislation, was to provide staff support to and carry out the projects chosen by the AOC. The 

practical effects of this order were to install a Secretariat position in the AOC (held by the TRB’s 

Director of Cooperative Research Programs) and task the TRB to manage the daily operations of 

ACRP activities. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 5

Memorandum of Agreement

Perhaps the most urgent action necessitated by the directives in Vision 100 was for all concerned 

parties to develop a binding agreement outlining the administrative and operational details of the 

program. Working toward this goal, representatives from the FAA, TRB, and national airport 

trade associations began formulating an arrangement in the summer of 2005. In September 

2005, an official ACRP Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed. The overriding 

purpose of the MOA was to establish ACRP operating procedures and to delineate the roles of 

the cooperating organizations involved in the program. 

The conceptual framework outlined for ACRP in the MOA provided the basis for rapid 

administrative and operational developments in 2005. In September 2005, the Secretary of 

Transportation finalized the appointments for the initial members of the AOC. The following 

month, ACRP operations officially began when the FAA provided the start-up funding 

($3 million appropriated by Congress in FY 2006) to the National Academies and the TRB. 

Since FY 2006, Congress has funded ACRP at $10 million in fiscal years 2004 through 2008, 

which is the amount authorized in Vision 100 for fiscal years 2004 and 2005. 

Initiation Milestones 

A summary of the major events that occurred during the initiation of ACRP are shown below in 

Table 2: 

Table 2: ACRP Initiation Milestones 

Date Event 

April 2000 AIR 21 authorizes study of the need for ACRP. 

March 2002 FAA contracts with TRB, and study of the need for ACRP begins. 

March 2003 TRB issues Special Report 272, recommending an ACRP. 

December 2003 Vision 100 authorizes ACRP. 

September 2005 ACRP MOA executed. 

September 2005 Secretary of Transportation appoints AOC. 

October 2005 FAA provides $3 million to TRB for ACRP. 

DOT/FAA Research 

ACRP operates complementary to, rather than as a substitute for or duplicate of, other research 

programs. As such, it is worth noting the relationship between ACRP and other airport research 

programs funded by the FAA, DOT, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

It might be expected that strong correlation should exist among the technical objectives and 

individual projects for the ACRP and other airport research programs. However, existing 

research programs include differences that can be attributed to policies, management 

perspectives, and emphasis in project definition and scope. Other Federally funded programs 

conducting airport-related research include— 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 6

• FAA’s Airport Technology Research Center – an FAA research and development 

program that conducts research on airport capacity and safety issues. 

• The Innovative Pavement Research Foundation (IPRF) and Airfield Asphalt Pavement 

Technology Program (AAPTP) – organizations conducting research in airport concrete 

and asphalt pavements, respectively. 

• National Safe Skies Alliance – the FAA provides this organization an annual grant of 

$5 million from the Airport Improvement Program. These funds are used to conduct 

testing and evaluation of new airport surveillance and equipment. 

ACRP was conceived as an operator-based, problem-solving program (i.e. real-world, day-to-day 

operational issues with near- to mid-term timeframes). The FAA’s airport technology research 

program includes these objectives, but also provides for projects of longer-term research and 

development and projects related to the FAA’s mission. To ensure that research efforts within 

ACRP are not duplicative of these other efforts, FAA representatives are involved in the annual 

ACRP planning processes and are regularly briefed by ACRP staff on the progress they are 

making. Security research, for example, is conducted by the Transportation Security 

Administration, and is not funded by ACRP. 

The needs of the airport industry and the scope of the ACRP are not confined to research in the 

narrow sense of the word. It is essential that the needs and opportunities for innovation in airport 

operations be met by not just research (both fundamental and applied), but also by development, 

education, technology transfer, and other activities needed to bring about improvements in both 

administrative and technical activities. In the context of the ACRP, therefore, the term 

“research” is used to denote all activities that are used to promote innovative approaches to 

solving airport problems and meeting airport needs. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 7

Chapter 3: Organizational Structure 

Cooperative Structure 

The primary entities involved with ACRP are (1) the AOC, an independent governing board 

appointed by the Secretary of Transportation; (2) the TRB, which provides program management 

and the AOC secretariat; and (3) the FAA, which sponsors the program. Figure 1 illustrates the 

relationships among these organizations, as specified in the overarching ACRP Memorandum of 

Agreement (MOA). Although not shown in the figure, airport industry stakeholders are also 

important participants and are represented on the AOC, on project panels, and as researchers. 

Each of these groups has different interests and responsibilities, and each is an integral part of 

the cooperative research effort. 

Figure 1: ACRP Organizational Structure 

The AOC 

The AOC provides policy guidance and sets priorities for ACRP research. Additionally, it 

monitors program progress and recommends any corrective action to the FAA and the TRB. The 

ACRP MOA assigns the following responsibilities to the AOC: 

 

Annual Funds Set Priorities

Memorandum

of 

Agreement

FAA Governing 

Board (AOC) 

Funding 

Oversight 

Research 

Programs

Oversight 

Secretariat 

ACRP Researchers

Management

National Academies

/ TRB 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 8

• Reviewing research needs, 

• Selecting research topics, 

• Setting project priorities and funding levels, 

• Approving budgets and financial statements of the ACRP, 

• Adopting policies and procedures governing the AOC, and 

• Evaluating program effectiveness. 

More specifically, the AOC (1) determines if proposed topics represent important research needs 

in the airport field; (2) determines, on the basis of evaluations provided by the TRB and other 

information sources, whether the proposed research topic duplicates other research; and (3) 

formulates an annual program with recommended project funding consisting of new projects 

and, when appropriate, continuation of projects. 

AOC COMPOSITION 

The MOA identifies 20 members to the AOC. Thirteen of the members have voting rights, while 

the remaining seven are non-voting members. The total size and composition of the AOC may 

be adjusted at the discretion of the Secretary of Transportation. The MOA delineates the AOC 

composition as follows: 

Voting members (13): 

• 7 members are chief executive officers, managers, or members of the governing boards of 

airports (3 from large hubs, 2 from medium-size hubs, and 2 from small hubs, non-hubs, 

or general aviation airports); 

• 5 members are officers or officials of universities or private entities that are air carriers, 

shippers, suppliers, researchers, consultants, or others engaged in providing airport 

equipment or services (1 industry position is currently vacant on the AOC); and 

• The Administrator of the FAA or a designee (currently the FAA’s Deputy Associate 

Administrator for Airports). 

Non-voting members (7): 

• The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 

• The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 

(position is currently vacant on the AOC), 

• The chief executive of the Airports Council International–North America (ACI-NA), 

• The chief executive of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), 

• The chief executive of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), 

• The chief executive of the Air Transport Association (ATA), and 

• The Executive Director of the TRB. 

The MOA specifically notes term limits for “voting” members of the AOC. These members are 

appointed for a period of 4 years and may serve for two successive 4-year terms (except for the 

FAA representative, who is a permanent member). To provide for staggered representation on 

the AOC, five of the initial AOC members were randomly selected and appointed for an initial 

2-year term. However, at the conclusion of those terms in September 2007, those members were 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 9

reappointed to full 4-year terms by the Secretary. After completing their initial terms, voting 

members must wait 4 years before becoming eligible for reappointment to the AOC. 

Table 3 provides a complete list of the AOC members. 

Table 3: The ACRP Oversight Committee (AOC) 

Name Title, Organization 

Member 

Status 

(Term Limit 

Expiration) 

AOC Chair

James "Jim" Wilding President (ret.), Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Voting (2009) 

AOC Vice-Chair

Jeff Hamiel Executive Director, Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Airports Commission Voting (2009) 

AOC Secretary

Christopher W. 

Jenks

Director, Cooperative Research Programs, Transportation Research Board Non-Voting 

James Crites Executive Vice President for Airport Operations, Dallas/Fort Worth International 

Airport 

Voting 

(2009) 

Richard de Neufville Professor of Engineering Systems and Civil and Environmental Engineering, 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

Voting 

(2011) 

Kevin C. Dolliole Senior Vice-President, UCG Associates Voting 

(2011) 

John K. Duval Safety and Security Coordinator, Beverly Municipal Airport Voting 

(2009) 

Steve Grossman Director of Aviation, Oakland International Airport Voting 

(2011) 

Tom Jensen President/CEO, National Safe Skies Alliance Voting 

(2011) 

Catherine M. Lang Deputy Associate Administrator for Airports, Federal Aviation Administration Voting 

Gina Marie Lindsey Executive Director, Los Angeles World Airports Voting 

(2009) 

Carolyn Motz Airport Manager, Hagerstown Regional Airport Voting 

(2009) 

Richard "Rick" 

Tucker Executive Director, Huntsville International Airport Voting (2011) 

Vacant A representative at-large from the airport industry Voting 

(TBD) 

Sabrina Johnson Senior Policy Analyst, US Environmental Protection Agency Non-Voting 

Richard Marchi Senior Advisor - Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Airports Council International - 

North America Non-Voting 

John M. Meenan Executive Vice President / COO, Air Transport Association of America, Inc. Non-Voting 

Henry Ogrodzinski President/CEO, National Association of State Aviation Officials Non-Voting 

Melissa Sabatine Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, American Association of Airport Executives Non-Voting 

Robert E. Skinner, 

Jr. Executive Director, Transportation Research Board Non-Voting 

Vacant A representative from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Non-Voting 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 10

The AOC is meant to be a microcosm of the U.S. airport industry. Approximately 30 percent of 

the voting AOC members represent large-hub primary airports, 15 percent represent medium-hub 

airports, and another 15 percent represent small- or non-hub and general aviation airports. 

Universities, private industries, and associations make up about 30 percent of the AOC voting 

members. The FAA represents the remaining 10 percent. The non-voting members represent 

over 140 local, regional, and State governing bodies that account for over 300 commercial 

service airports that service more than 90 percent of the U.S. domestic scheduled air passenger 

and cargo traffic and virtually all scheduled international travel. Additionally, AOC members 

represent the managers of airports that enplane over 99 percent of the passengers in the United 

States as well as the managers of major U.S. flagged airlines that collectively account for over 

97 percent of the revenue passenger miles and over 95 percent of the freight ton miles flown 

throughout the country. 

The National Academies 

To provide a better sense of how ACRP fits into the administrative scheme of the National 

Academies and the TRB, a streamlined organizational chart is provided in Figure 2: 

Figure 2: The National Academies Organizational Structure 

The National Academies

A Private, Nonprofit Research Institution 

National Academy 

of Engineering 

Institute of 

Medicine 

National Research Council 

Transportation Research Board 

Cooperative Research Programs 

ACRP 

National Academy 

of Sciences 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 11

The National Academies perform a unique public service by bringing together committees of 

experts in all areas of scientific and technological endeavor. These experts serve pro bono to 

address critical national issues and give advice to the Federal government and the public. Four 

organizations make up the National Academies: the National Academy of Sciences, the National 

Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, and the National Research Council (which is 

jointly administered by members of the three other organizations). 

THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES BACKGROUND 

The National Academies is an honorific society of distinguished scholars engaged in scientific 

and engineering research, dedicated to the furtherance of science and technology and their use 

for the general welfare. The National Academies was signed into being by President 

Abraham Lincoln on March 3, 1863, at the height of the Civil War. As mandated in its Act of 

Incorporation, the National Academies has, since 1863, served to "investigate, examine, 

experiment, and report upon any subject of science or art" whenever called upon to do so by any 

department of the Government. Since 1863, the Nation's leaders have often turned to the 

National Academies for advice on the scientific and technological issues that frequently pervade 

policy decisions. Most of the institution's science policy and technical work is conducted by its 

operating arm, the National Research Council, which was created expressly for this purpose. 

These non-profit organizations provide a public service by working outside the framework of 

Government to ensure independent advice on matters of science, technology, and medicine. 

They enlist committees of the Nation's top scientists, engineers, and other experts, all of whom 

volunteer their time to study specific concerns. The results of their deliberations have inspired 

some of America's most significant and lasting efforts to improve the health, education, and 

welfare of the population. The National Academies' service to Government has become so 

essential that Congress and the White House have issued legislation and executive orders over 

the years reaffirming its unique role. 

THE TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD 

The mission of the TRB—one of six major divisions of the National Research Council—is to 

promote innovation and progress in transportation through research. In an objective and 

interdisciplinary setting, the TRB facilitates the sharing of information on transportation practice 

and policy by researchers and practitioners, stimulates research and offers research management 

services that promote technical excellence, provides expert advice on transportation policy and 

programs, and disseminates research results broadly and encourages their implementation. 

TRB fulfills this mission through the work of its standing committees and task forces addressing 

all modes and aspects of transportation, publication and dissemination of reports and peerreviewed technical papers on research findings, management of cooperative research and other 

research programs, conduct of special studies on transportation policy issues at the request of the 

U.S. Congress and Government agencies, operation of an online database of transportation 

research information, and the hosting of an annual meeting that typically attracts 

10,000 transportation professionals from throughout the United States and abroad. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 12

NATIONAL ACADEMIES AND TRB MANAGEMENT OF ACRP 

Management of the research program is critical to ACRP’s success. TRB manages the 

day-to-day operations of the program, a broad task encompassing 10 major activities. Outlined 

below, each of these functions are necessary to formulate, manage, and administer research 

projects and ultimately disseminate research results to the airport community. The activities 

are— 

• Serving as Secretariat to the AOC, 

• Appointing and coordinating expert technical panels to guide research, 

• Developing and distributing Requests for Proposals (RFPs), 

• Processing and evaluating proposals to select the best-qualified research agency, 

• Executing contracts with the selected researchers, 

• Providing technical and financial oversight of research agencies, 

• Coordinating review of research reports by project panels, 

• Preparing research reports for publication and dissemination, 

• Promoting the application of research results, and 

• Closing out contracts. 

TRB supports the AOC and the FAA by performing these program management functions. A 

more detailed description of TRB program management responsibilities are outlined in 

Chapter 4: The Research Process as well as in the ACRP MOA found in Appendix B. 

TRB AS THE AOC SECRETARIAT 

The TRB—or more specifically, the TRB Director of Cooperative Research—serves as the 

Secretariat to the AOC. The Secretariat supports and works in consultation with the AOC Chair. 

The listing below shows just a few of the many responsibilities of the AOC Secretariat: 

• Issuing announcements to solicit research needs statements for consideration by the 

ACRP, 

• Conducting preliminary evaluation of research needs statements to determine whether the 

proposed research duplicates previous or ongoing studies, 

• Making preliminary estimates of the cost of conducting each proposed research topic, 

• Distributing material necessary for the AOC’s prioritization of research for the ACRP, 

• Recording AOC meeting decisions, 

• Scheduling meetings and preparing and distributing agendas for AOC meetings, 

• Preparing and distributing minutes following AOC meetings, 

• Keeping records related to ACRP activities, 

• Rendering to the AOC and the FAA quarterly reports on the progress and financial status 

of the ACRP, and 

• Providing other necessary staff support. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 13

Due to the significant amount of work needed to adequately perform the overall program 

management and Secretariat duties called for by ACRP, TRB receives up to 25 percent of annual 

program funds (currently $2.5 million per year) to cover administrative and operational costs. A 

more complete discussion of ACRP finances can be found in the Program Finance section of 

Chapter 5: ACRP Progress. 

The Federal Aviation Administration 

The FAA’s Office of the Associate Administrator for Airports (Office of Airports) sponsors and 

funds ACRP. The FAA’s role as the steward of Federal funds necessitates it provide program 

oversight to ensure achievement of ACRP technical objectives, budget adherence, and schedule 

milestones. The FAA also provides the TRB with timely guidance and information on emerging 

issues of national priority, new Federal program initiatives, and complementary FAA programs 

or projects that can enhance ACRP’s effectiveness. The FAA and the TRB maintain close 

coordination in the development of detailed technical program plans, RFPs, and technical work 

statements. The close coordination among the AOC, the FAA, and the TRB provides fertile 

opportunities for developing creative and more cost-effective projects. 

The FAA works cooperatively with the AOC, the National Academies, the TRB, and others to 

manage ACRP. This cooperative effort is designed to ensure the effectiveness and success of the 

overall ACRP process and is consistent with sound fiscal and resource management. The FAA’s 

responsibilities include the following activities: 

• Participating with the AOC in developing the ACRP annual program; 

• When practicable, selecting and assigning FAA staff to serve on project panels; 

• Supporting periodic program reviews; 

• Participating in planning, developing, and conducting conferences, workshops, seminars, 

and other technical meetings associated with ACRP activities; and 

• Working closely with the TRB and industry associations to ensure dissemination, 

distribution, marketing, and promotion of the results of ACRP studies, with an emphasis 

on timely deployment and mainstreaming of products and practices resulting from ACRP. 

FAA BACKGROUND 

Safety is the FAA’s primary mission and most important responsibility. The agency’s dedication 

to keeping airports safe is central to the public's interest as well as the economic health of 

aviation. As an organization, the Office of Airports provides leadership to the airport and 

aviation community to ensure the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) is 

planned and developed to meet FAA mission goals. The Office of Airports has a continuing 

stake in the safety, security, capacity, financial, and environmental aspects of airports. Indeed, 

the organization's major goal is to improve the safety, capacity, and condition of U.S. airports 

and to maintain a level of investment for airport infrastructure projects that benefits the National 

Airspace System. A strong research program is critical to ensuring this mission is accomplished. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 14

The Office of Airports establishes regulations for safe operation of commercial service airports 

and regularly inspects certificated airports for compliance. It also administers the Airport 

Improvement Program, which provides priority consideration for safety-related development at 

airports that benefits both commercial service and general aviation operations. In addition, the 

office supports research in airport technology to develop improvements in airport marking and 

lighting, airport rescue and fire fighting, airport planning and design, and mitigation of wildlife 

hazards near airports. The results from research performed under ACRP are instrumental in 

supporting these and the many other goals of the FAA and the Office of Airports. 

Airport Industry Stakeholders 

ACRP benefits greatly from the cooperation and participation of airport industry stakeholders. 

Though not shown in the ACRP organizational chart, industry members are present throughout 

the entire research process, serving an important role in every phase. Industry trade groups such 

as the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), the American Association of 

Airport Executives (AAAE), the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), and 

the Air Transport Association (ATA) represent a large portion of the professional airport 

community. These groups, and other airport professionals, are solicited annually by the TRB for 

a variety of functions. 

As will be described in the following chapter, the main ways that members of the general public 

can participate in ACRP are by— 

 

• Submitting research needs for consideration in the form of problem statements, 

• Serving as subject matter experts on ACRP project technical panels, and 

• Submitting proposal responses to an ACRP Request for Proposal (RFP) and performing 

the required research. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 15

Chapter 4: The Research Process 

Research projects are the primary activity of the ACRP. Selected research projects are based on 

needs that have been identified by published literature, surveys, AOC members (including 

industry representatives), airport operators, and others. Research objectives are principally 

aimed at identifying solutions to immediate problems in the airport environment, and they focus 

on high-priority issues with a reasonably high expectation of producing results with practical 

applicability.

The annual research program selected by the AOC and managed by the TRB provides ACRP’s 

foundation. Each project follows an efficient and effective research process developed by the 

TRB over 40 years of successful cooperative research experience. This process includes three 

main phases: (1) Research Selection, (2) Project Development, and (3) Project Management. 

Figure 3 illustrates these phases. 

Note: NAS is the National Academies. 

Figure 3: Standard ACRP Research Process 

Phase 2

Project 

Development 

Airport Industry 

Stakeholders

Operators 

Consultants 

Trade Associations 

Universities 

General Public 

Fed./State/Local Gov’t 

TRB/FAA 

Staff Review AOC 

NAS/TRB

ACRP Staff Phase 1

Research 

Selection 

Research Needs 

(Prob. Stmnts) 

Prelim. Eval of 

Prob. Stmnts 

Select 

Prob. Stmnts 

Secretariat 

Support 

Phase 2

NAS/TRB

ACRP Staff 

Phase 3

Project 

Management 

Technical 

Panel 

1st Panel Mtg

Develop RFP 

2nd Panel Mtg

Eval. Proposals 

Research 

Contractor Phase 3 Form 

Solicit 

RFP 

Submit 

Proposals 

Select 

Ctr. 

Technical 

Panel 

Research Contractor 

NAS/TRB - ACRP Staff 

Deliverables / 

Progress Rpts 

Coordinate 

Reviews 

Final 

Deliverables Contract 

Close-out Publication 

Promote 

Results 

Airport Industry 

Stakeholders

Operators 

Consultants 

Trade Associations 

Universities 

General Public 

Fed./State/Local Gov’t 

Contract 

Execution 

Oversight, 

Guidance, & 

Approval 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 16

Phase 1 – Research Selection 

The ACRP research selection phase generally includes three components: 

• 1.1 Solicitation of research needs, 

• 1.2 Evaluation of problem statements, and 

• 1.3 Selection of problem statements. 

1.1 SOLICITATION OF RESEARCH NEEDS 

A sequence of events initiates each year’s research activities. The process generally begins with 

TRB’s annual general solicitation for research needs. Although ACRP will accept research ideas 

from anyone at anytime, the program makes a call for research only once a year. 

The AOC selects research projects on a year-to-year basis, focusing on emerging issues and 

current priorities. To identify research opportunity areas and corresponding problem statements, 

the program relies on the following methods: 

• Annual problem solicitations, 

• Recommendations from specially appointed panels or committees, 

• Recommendations from workshops, and 

• Recommendations from completed research. 

The annual solicitation provides the most straightforward method for determining the problems 

to be researched; it can also result in a very large response. When problem statements are 

solicited, ACRP staff provides specific instructions on how they must be written. This guidance 

results in submissions in a standard TRB format known as a “problem statement.” This 

standardization is important because potential submitters may not have experience writing 

research problem statements. However, the success of the ACRP and the benefits to the airport 

industry depend on good ideas being clearly presented. 

The annual solicitation goes to airport operators as well as to other members of the broad airport 

community. Suppliers of equipment and services, universities, other research organizations, and 

consultants might all want to offer input to the ACRP. 

Specially appointed panels or committees are also excellent sources of research problem 

statements or research topics. The AOC uses a variety of panels and committees to supply input 

when forming the annual program. The panels or committees must have members who are very 

knowledgeable about the day-to-day activities and problems faced by airport operators. 

The AOC can also ask the TRB to conduct workshops to gather specific problems for research. 

This method can both help identify individual problems and develop emphasis areas. Workshops 

are effective tools for bringing together the thinking of many experts and practitioners within a 

short period of time. The product of a workshop is usually a prioritized list of research needs in 

a well-defined emphasis area. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 17

Lastly, in addition to requesting problem statements, the AOC can refer to previously completed 

ACRP projects where investigations or other efforts result in the identification of specific 

airport-related problems. 

1.2 EVALUATION OF PROBLEM STATEMENTS 

Problem statements are evaluated based on need, urgency, probability of success, and funds 

available. Once research problem statements are received, TRB and FAA staff begins reviewing 

each statement, identifying related research, making suggestions about the probability of success 

of the effort, and commenting on the technical content and relevance of the problem to be solved. 

1.3 SELECTION OF PROBLEM STATEMENTS 

After the initial evaluation, the AOC considers the problem statements and relevant supplemental 

information. It then selects the problem statements to be included in the annual program. The 

AOC has the opportunity to select either specific subjects with narrow focus or broader research 

of strategic importance. Each annual program may include both new and continuing research 

and has a unique composition, based on the most important issues and problems at the time. 

After problem statements are selected, the AOC provides the TRB with guidance on the 

technical content and scope of work for each item, effectively transforming the “problem 

statement” into a “research project.” 

During this phase, the AOC also closely examines existing research program areas. To meet the 

strategic objectives of the program and address the changing needs of the airport industry, ACRP 

might occasionally require adjustments to its program definition and research categories. ACRP 

began a strategic planning process in the summer of 2007 to provide AOC members and FAA 

officials the insight they will need to calibrate or redirect the programs and adjust the roles and 

operating characteristics of the ACRP, the FAA’s research program, and other airport research 

activities. 

Table 4 provides a sample schedule for Phase 1. 

Table 4: Sample Phase 1 Schedule 

Time Event 

Week 1 Announcement of problem statement solicitation 

Week 12 Due date for problem statements 

Week 17 Evaluation of problem statements by ACRP and FAA staff 

Week 19 Distribution of research candidate list and project selection 

ballots to the AOC 

Week 24 AOC meeting to select research topics and set funding levels for 

new projects 

Week 26 Announcement of new ACRP projects 

Total Time: approximately 26 weeks 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 18

Phase 2 – Project Development 

The second phase of the ACRP research process develops the foundation upon which each 

individual research project operates. Principal activities in this phase include— 

• 2.1 Selection of technical panels, 

• 2.2 Development of a scope of work and subsequent RFP, 

• 2.3 Evaluation of project proposals and researcher selection, and 

• 2.4 TRB and researcher contract execution. 

Every AOC-approved project is assigned to a TRB Senior Program Officer (SPO), who provides 

project management throughout the research process. SPOs perform all manner of 

administrative and operational project support and must often coordinate these tasks for a 

number of projects simultaneously (typically 20 to 25 at a time). 

Once assigned a project, the SPO must assemble a technical panel of subject matter experts for 

the given research area. The appointed panel provides technical guidance and counsel 

throughout the life of a project. Each project panel has the responsibility for developing the 

project’s objectives, selecting the researcher, monitoring and guiding project output, and 

reviewing and approving the final research report. While panel size varies depending on the 

expertise required by the project, each panel includes at least six to eight voting members. 

The panel drives the technical direction and conduct of the research project. The credibility of 

ACRP research findings and recommendations will be based, to a great degree, on the program’s 

ability to reach consensus among technical professionals through the ACRP advisory panel 

system. Supporting the panels throughout the process, SPOs serve as the secretariat for panel 

meetings and act as technical coordinators, meeting facilitators, and full-time project managers. 

2.1 TECHNICAL PANEL SELECTION 

SPOs select panel members by reaching out to a wide variety of people and organizations having 

the desired expertise. Panels include individuals from airports; Federal, State, and local 

government agencies; universities; national associations; institutions with related interests; 

consultant firms; industry; and other agencies. Various sectors of the airport industry might be 

included: for example, an airport executive, a maintenance manager, an information systems 

manager, a computer vendor, a government official, a member of the AOC, and a university 

researcher might serve together on a panel. Where possible, the person primarily responsible for 

preparing the original project statement will be included as a panel member because the insight 

of potential users of the research is vital to the successful implementation of the final products. 

The panels also have non-voting liaison members from the staffs of the FAA and the TRB to 

provide lines of communication with those organizations about ongoing and completed research. 

In this way, ACRP can address pertinent needs without duplicating existing efforts. Liaison 

members participate fully in all panel deliberations but do not vote on issues before the panel. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 19

SPOs solicit nominations for panel membership for each new round of projects. In addition, 

SPOs supplement nominations by networking with FAA staff and industry contacts to form 

panels that meet strict National Research Council requirements for subject matter knowledge; 

balance; and gender, ethnic, and geographical diversity. In developing panels, TRB makes great 

effort to avoid conflicts of interest. Because it is rarely possible to secure panel members with 

the required knowledge and judgment who are completely devoid of technical bias, the SPO pays 

particular attention to maintaining a balance of such biases. Further, panel members are 

appointed as individuals possessing expertise in specialized areas and not as representatives of 

the organizations by which they are employed. Emphasis is also placed on considering women 

and minorities for panel membership as a means of increasing opportunities for participation by 

these traditionally under-represented groups. 

After compiling a list of appropriate and willing panelists, the SPO submits the proposed panel 

membership list to the National Research Council for approval, according to standard TRB 

procedures. If the panelists are acceptable, the TRB Executive Director confirms the panel 

appointments. 

Project panelists are appointed for the duration of individual projects and are expected to provide 

technical guidance and counsel throughout the research and reporting phases. As in other TRB 

activities, ACRP project panel members serve voluntarily without compensation and cannot act 

as individual consultants or advisors to the researchers. Also, as a condition for accepting 

appointment to a panel, members cannot submit proposals on research projects under their 

jurisdiction. 

The ACRP MOA identifies the following specific responsibilities of project panels: 

• Developing project objectives and an estimate of the total cost and time to achieve the 

objectives, 

• Drafting definitive statements of scope and requests for proposals, 

• Reviewing proposals submitted by research agencies and making decisions about 

selection of research agencies, 

• Reviewing the progress of research, 

• Providing counsel and advice to researchers about technical aspects of projects, 

• Reviewing and evaluating project reports as to the accomplishment of objectives and 

suitability for publication, and 

• Making recommendations to the AOC about the need for continuation of projects 

included in prior fiscal year programs. 

2.2 DEVELOPMENT OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS 

After project panels are formed, the first panel meeting takes place, marking the start of the 

project. Held in Washington, DC, at the National Academies, the initial panel meeting lasts for 2 

days. At this meeting, the panel reviews and refines the problem statement originally selected by 

the AOC. The technical panel also modifies the scope of research according to members’ 

collective practical experience in the field being studied. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 20

The first major task of each project panel is to translate its assigned problem statement into a 

fully detailed project statement or RFP that will be used to solicit proposals from the research 

community. Project statements include (1) a statement of the background on the problem and 

associated needs; (2) a statement of the research desired to satisfy the needs, including a clear 

and specific statement of the objectives to be met; and (3) statements of the funds available for 

the agreement, the project’s performance period, and the deadline for proposal submission. The 

project statements also can provide policy and procedural guidance and general information. 

The TRB distributes project statements using an e-mail list that includes individual researchers, 

private and public research institutions, transportation study centers, university researchers, and 

consulting firms. In coordination with the FAA, SPOs will continue to expand the existing RFP 

mailing list for a broad distribution of the project statements to the airport-research community. 

The current mailing list includes contacts at traditionally black colleges and women- and 

minority-owned firms. Anyone who requests to be added to the list will be included. Special 

efforts have been made, particularly in the early years of ACRP, to ensure that opportunities for 

participation are well known to all potential researchers. 

2.3 SELECTION OF RESEARCHERS 

The TRB uses the same process for selecting ACRP researchers that it has used in managing the 

NCHRP for more than 40 years and the TCRP for more than 14 years. This open process allows 

all potential research agencies to compete on the basis of technical merit, ensures that all 

proposers are treated fairly, and provides the program with access to the best talent available for 

each project. The TRB continues to expand its researcher base by identifying additional 

Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) that might be interested in participating and adding 

them to the ACRP e-mail list for RFP notification. 

ACRP SPOs maintain a web-based brochure, “Information and Instructions for Preparing 

Proposals,” to assist proposing organizations. SPOs are available to discuss the specifics of each 

research project and the instructions for preparing proposals but will not generally schedule 

pre-proposal briefing meetings for proposing organizations. Proposers are allowed at least 45 

days to respond to the project statements. 

When evaluating proposals submitted to the TRB in response to an RFP, the ACRP staff and 

project panels consider the following factors: 

• The proposer’s demonstrated understanding of the problem; 

• The merit of the proposed research approach and experiment design; 

• The experience, qualifications, and objectivity of the research team in the same or closely 

related areas; 

• The plan for promoting application of results; 

• The proposer’s plan for participation by DBEs—small firms owned and controlled by 

minorities or women; and 

• The adequacy of the research facilities. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 21

The project statement specifies the level of available funding, and the proposers submit 

responses outlining their technical plans for spending these funds to complete the project. The 

project panel evaluates proposals entirely on the basis of technical merit and the probability of 

success, an approach that is well received by panel members and proposing researchers. 

 

Upon receipt of proposals, SPOs review them for completeness and conformity to TRB standard 

requirements. Proposals received after the submission deadline are rejected without further 

review. Accepted proposals are then forwarded to the appropriate panels for evaluation within 

1 week. At the same time, submitters of any rejected proposals are informed of the reasons for 

their rejection. 

The technical panel selects the researcher at the second panel meeting, held at least 25 days after 

the panel has received the proposals. Prior to the meeting, the panel is instructed to (1) evaluate 

and rate each proposal in accordance with the criteria discussed at the first meeting, and (2) be 

prepared to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each proposal. A panel’s first and second 

(contingency backup) choice for contract award requires a two-thirds consensus and is based on 

technical merit. The panel’s specific reasons for selection are fully documented. Strict 

confidentiality is applied to all panel deliberations. 

2.4 EXECUTION OF RESEARCH CONTRACTS 

Research contract negotiations begin when the first-choice proposer receives notification of the 

project panel’s decision. At this stage, the project’s SPO must (1) notify the first-choice 

organization of its tentative selection, (2) provide the necessary documentation for the 

organization to complete the contracting procedure, and (3) request that the National Academies’ 

Office of Contracts and Grants begins a pre-contract financial investigation. Each selected 

organization must provide documentation to support its proposed indirect cost rates and forward 

information about its travel policy and salary and wage schedules. The notification to the firstchoice proposer also refers the selected organization to an online Procedural Manual for 

Agencies Conducting Research in the ACRP, which provides detailed guidance on policy and 

procedural matters. 

ACRP SPOs must also notify unsuccessful (including the second-choice) proposers of the results 

of the second project panel meeting and debrief these organizations upon request. The oral 

debriefings indicate the technical areas in which specific proposals were judged to be weak or 

deficient and how the weaknesses or deficiencies resulted in their not having been selected. The 

SPO disposes of the unsuccessful proposals in accordance with the National Academies policy. 

Table 5 includes a sample schedule for Phase 2. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 22

Table 5: Sample Phase 2 Schedule 

Time Event 

Week 26 SPOs solicit panel nominations 

Week 40 Project panels meet to write project statements (RFPs) 

Week 41 TRB Issues RFPs 

Week 48 Proposals due 

Week 54 Project panels meet to select researchers 

Week 60 Contracts are executed with selected agencies 

Total Time: approximately 34 weeks 

Phase 3 – Project Management 

Research officially begins when the TRB and the research contractor finalize their contract. The 

project panel and SPO then start the process of monitoring the administrative and technical 

progress of the project. Drawing on the contents of the approved proposal and working plan, the 

SPO maintains a close but unobtrusive watch over the researcher’s activities to ensure 

conformance with contractual obligations. 

The main elements of this phase include— 

• 3.1 Monitoring research progress, 

• 3.2 Reviewing / approving research deliverables, and 

• 3.3 Closing out the research contract. 

3.1 MONITORING RESEARCH PROGRESS 

The project panel maintains control over the research process during execution of the study. 

Initially, the panel reviews and approves the researcher’s detailed working plan. This revised 

research plan is created upon contract execution and contains a detailed update of the plan 

included in the researcher’s original proposal. Its purpose is to assist the panel and SPO in 

monitoring activities. 

The panel receives copies of quarterly reports directly from the researcher and is encouraged to 

comment on them. The researcher is required to respond in writing to the panel’s comments; 

correspondence, both to and from the researcher, must pass through the responsible SPO. Panel 

approval is required for any changes in the conduct of the research plan, any change in principal 

investigators, and any interim reports required in the work plan. 

The project’s SPO usually meets with each researcher at least once a year. Between site visits, 

the TRB maintains frequent telephone and mail/e-mail contact with the principal investigators. 

SPOs regularly check researcher invoices to ensure use of project funds is consistent with the 

approved plan. Researchers are required to budget for two trips to Washington, DC, to discuss 

research progress. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 23

Usually an initial site visit is made soon after panel approval of the project’s working plan. At 

this visit, the SPO provides all liaison actions necessary to maintain the project panel’s 

awareness of research progress and to acquire panel guidance and counsel in technical matters. 

SPOs work with panel chairs to coordinate all panel actions (e.g., additional meetings or mail 

ballots) that may be necessary for major changes to adjust for promising new leads or 

unproductive lines of study, interim or final report reviews, and related activities. 

SPOs are responsible for producing quarterly progress reports to the AOC and the FAA. In 

addition to keeping project status reports up to date on the ACRP website, the TRB prepares 

annual reports to discuss ACRP progress in general and the status of each project. Annual 

reports include a narrative on the overall operation of the ACRP, a summary table of projects and 

their status, a list of ACRP publications, and brief summaries of all ACRP projects. The annual 

report is submitted before February 15th of each year. SPOs are available, at the request of the 

FAA, to make presentations to selected audiences summarizing ACRP activities and progress. 

3.2 REVIEWING RESEARCH DELIVERABLES 

All ACRP projects conclude with a final report prepared by the researcher. The ACRP contracts 

require submission of preliminary drafts documenting the research effort. Panels review draft 

final reports to assess fulfillment of objectives, adequacy of documentation, and clarity of 

presentation. Each panel member is asked to recommend publication or non-publication of the 

research report on a form accompanying the draft final reports. The project SPO reviews each 

report at the same time it is undergoing panel review and summarizes and transmits all reviewer 

comments to the principal investigator. Based on reviews by panel and SPO, decisions are made 

concerning publication in the report series. On receipt of the revised final report, the SPO 

performs a review to determine compliance with panel recommendations and then forwards the 

revised report and researcher’s point-by-point response to the panel. 

3.3 CLOSING OUT RESEARCH CONTRACTS 

After receipt of each project final report, the close-out of the project contract begins. The TRB 

begins by obtaining and evaluating the researcher’s inventory of data and equipment. Generally, 

National Academies’ policy requires researchers to retain data for 3 years, following which the 

researchers can notify the National Academies of their intent to destroy the data unless otherwise 

directed. Capital equipment purchased or fabricated by researchers using project funds is 

retained by the researchers until the National Academies determines its disposition. If a decision 

is made that the equipment is to be sold rather than delivered for further use in ACRP, the 

researchers credit its fair and reasonable price to ACRP. SPOs are also responsible for notifying 

the National Academies and the FAA of the status of the close-out activities and disbanding the 

technical panels. 

Table 6 provides a sample schedule for Phase 3. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 24

Table 6: Sample Phase 3 Schedule

Time Event 

Week 60 Research begins 

Week 61 Site visit by ACRP staff 

Week 63 Technical Panel Reviews / approves working plan 

Monthly Researcher submits progress reports 

Quarterly Researcher submits progress reports 

Month 20 Researcher submits final report 

Month 22 Panel reviews / approves final report 

Month 24 TRB closes out contract 

Total Time: approximately 24 months 

Special Projects 

The general ACRP research process described thus far refers primarily to standard projects 

(areas 1 through 10). However, there often arises an airport need that requires other research 

methods available through ACRP special projects research (area 11). In order to conduct special 

projects research, the AOC appoints specific panels comprised of subject matter experts for a 

given topic area. 

To begin special projects research in ACRP, the AOC assigns a funding level to one of the 

designated ACRP special project areas. The respective panel is then entrusted with selecting the 

specific projects within that area. Such is the case with the legal studies (11-01) and synthesis 

studies (11-03) programs. On occasion, the AOC will recommend that a specific topic be 

studied as a legal studies or synthesis project, in which case the respective panel will further 

refine the scope of work. 

Conversely, the AOC may designate that certain funds be placed in the ACRP quick-response 

area (11-02), which acts as a reserve account that can only be utilized on an ad-hoc basis by the 

AOC to study urgent airport needs. Quick-response projects are only initiated if an urgent need 

is discovered between AOC meetings. The AOC can increase, decrease, or reallocate funds 

within the 11-02 account to other areas of the ACRP research portfolio at the discretion of the 

AOC members. 

Research Completion: Publishing and Disseminating Products

Research results are of little value if they are not disseminated. Therefore, it is the normal 

practice of the TRB to make every reasonable attempt to publish and widely distribute the 

reports submitted for each project. The TRB encourages researchers to write clear and succinct 

reports that make it easy for readers to determine their applicability to daily airport operations. 

More technical details are included as appendices in each report. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 25

Rights to publish and distribute project reports, digests, technical articles, computer software, 

slides, and audiovisual aids for presenting research findings are reserved by the National 

Academies and FAA, and are exercised according to its policy for broad dissemination of all 

publications and ancillary materials through the TRB, the FAA, and other appropriate 

distribution processes. Permission to use copyrighted materials that are to be included in ACRP 

research reports must be obtained by the ACRP contractor in writing from both the author and 

the publisher. Documents granting permission must be transmitted to the ACRP where they 

become part of the permanent file on the particular report. Researchers may not copyright or 

cause or permit to be copyrighted any article, data, written materials, computer software, or other 

information prepared under an ACRP contract, whether published directly or by others, in book 

form or in a scientific or technical journal. Material contained in interim or final reports that 

have been reviewed by ACRP may be published by the researcher, provided that credit is given 

to the individuals and organizations that conducted and sponsored the work. 

PROMOTING APPLICATION OF RESEARCH RESULTS 

The success of an applied research program should be measured by the benefits derived from 

applying the results. ACRP puts a strong emphasis on the delivery of results to potential users. 

During the early stages of ACRP, the AOC and TRB staff are working on strategies for ensuring 

that ACRP products are disseminated to the right people in a timely manner. 

Prior to publication, extra measures are taken to ensure that useful research results are made 

immediately available to target audiences. After publication, each report is distributed widely 

through the TRB’s and selected airport associations’ distribution systems. Copies go 

automatically to approximately 100 libraries, more than 150 university-liaison representatives, 

appropriate TRB panels and committees, and individual TRB members who have signed up to 

receive publications in the particular subject area of the report. As a further means of 

disseminating the research reports, announcements of their availability go to airport industry 

press. FAA and airport-association staffs automatically receive a copy of each published report. 

Every ACRP publication is posted in full text, free of charge on the ACRP website. 

Selected groups receive mailings outlining specific research results in their areas of operations, 

but there may be segments of the airport industry that are not easily reached by the current 

system, and the need to further expand the distribution process is constantly considered. The 

AOC may decide to authorize an ACRP study to systematically evaluate distribution options and 

develop a plan for promoting application of ACRP research results. 

TYPES OF ACRP RESEARCH PRODUCTS 

There are advantages to customizing research approaches to fit the nature of the problem to be 

solved. So the results are suitable, the ACRP makes use of seven different types of research 

formats. “Standard” projects require original research to be performed, while all other projects 

are characterized as “special,” and generally involve the collection of existing data. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 26

• Standard research projects, 

• Synthesis studies, 

• Legal studies, 

• Continuation studies, 

• Quick-response projects, 

• Workshops on research results, and 

• Graduate research award projects. 

STANDARD RESEARCH PROJECTS 

The form of research described throughout this chapter has been that of a standard research 

project. These types of projects tend to be complex and require a budget of more than $300,000 

and 18 to 24 months to accomplish the stated objective. The other project formats vary from this 

standard format in one way or another. 

SYNTHESIS STUDIES 

Reports on the state of the practice in critical areas are an important part of a well-rounded 

research program. Synthesis studies examine what airports have done about specific problems 

and the findings are collected into a readable, useful form for the practicing professional. Given 

the decentralized nature of the airport industry, where hundreds of airports face many similar 

problems, transferring information on practical experiences can be extremely valuable. 

Syntheses reports present case studies, based on an extensive examination of current and recent 

activity on the topic, and often include results of surveys of practitioners. Synthesis studies 

produced by ACRP strive to inform airport managers about innovations that are being used by 

others to solve problems. In this manner, a broad implementation of successful innovation can 

be achieved by effectively communicating the current state of practice for a given topic. 

General funding amounts are determined by the AOC, although specific synthesis study topics 

are selected by a panel appointed to oversee this portion of the program. 

LEGAL STUDIES 

Legal research has proven to be an important area of research in the NCHRP and the TCRP, so a 

vehicle for legal studies has been included in ACRP. Problems in transportation law are so 

specific that general solicitations for research needs are not effective and a special mechanism is 

used to generate legal research problem statements. An ACRP legal panel, composed of experts 

in airport law, reviews these legal issues and recommends problems to be researched. The need 

for legal studies continues from year to year, and the emphasis areas will be determined by the 

ACRP panel on a periodic basis. These emphasis areas will change over time, depending on 

conditions in the airport industry. Legal studies have proved to be highly cost-effective in 

producing timely information on legal findings, conclusions, and precedent-setting cases. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 27

CONTINUATION STUDIES 

Some research projects may take 2 years or more to complete. During the course of some 

projects, the ACRP panel may identify an expanded scope of work that requires additional 

funding. Each annual program may include funds for projects that started in an earlier year and 

have a need to continue. The AOC decides the amount of funding to be allocated to continuation 

projects as a regular part of the annual programming and funding process. 

QUICK-RESPONSE PROJECTS 

Research is needed for problems that demand a near-term response. Such studies are of short 

duration with concentrated levels of effort. The flexibility to perform such research is an 

important asset for ACRP. The normal process for cooperative research requires lead time to 

define the scope of work, solicit proposals, and select the researcher. On the other hand, 

rapid-response studies can complement research that is undertaken through this normal process. 

The use of "quick response" funds, as designated by the AOC, is tightly controlled through rules 

about who can apply for their use and how they can be used. Typically, the funds are spent for 

limited-scope research tasks that require a quick turnaround, and they often have smaller budgets 

than standard research topics. 

For each ACRP quick-response task, an informal working group is formed to develop the final 

scope, determine the appropriate mechanism to procure the needed technical assistance (this 

mechanism can include sole source, limited solicitation, or fully open solicitation), select the 

research agency based on the procurement process used, and review task deliverables. 

Quick-response studies may provide a more timely response to new or emerging regulatory 

requirements or may produce answers to a problem where help is needed urgently. Such studies 

may be carried out in collaboration with committees of airport-related associations or other 

organizations to enable groups of volunteers to accomplish more than they could accomplish 

without the help of paid consultants. 

WORKSHOP ON RESEARCH RESULTS 

This type of project functions as a means to quickly coordinate a meeting between airport 

stakeholders to discuss various pressing aviation issues affecting airports. Outcomes of this type 

of effort serve to clarify roles, stimulate discussion of issues of mutual interest, and to identify 

further coordination activities that are needed. 

GRADUATE RESEARCH AWARD PROGRAM 

The ACRP Graduate Research Award Program on Public-Sector Aviation Issues presents an 

opportunity to encourage enterprising graduate students with the ability to study various 

airport-related problems. The program extends relatively small amounts of research funds along 

with close supervision by specially selected board members to mentor these students. Annual 

funds set aside to support these innovations not only offer alternative and new approaches to 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 28

solving transportation problems, but simultaneously increase the interest of successful graduate 

students in pursuing careers in aviation. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 29

Chapter 5: ACRP Progress 

From the start of the program, ACRP activities have been directed toward building a wellrounded research portfolio and achieving a steady-state operational level. In the 2 years that 

ACRP has been operating, over $24 million in program funds have been invested directly in 94 

independent projects. 

Table 7 shows ACRP’s operational milestones. 

Table 7: ACRP Operational Progress 

Date Event 

September 2004 TRB solicitation for research needs 

December 2004 120+ ACRP problem statements received 

October 2005 $3 million appropriated for FY 2005 and $10 million for FY 2006 

January 2006 First meeting of the AOC, 29 research projects initiated 

July 2006 Second AOC meeting, 26 research projects initiated 

January 2007 Third AOC meeting, 12 research projects initiated 

July 2007 Fourth AOC meeting, 27 research projects initiated 

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2005/2006 Research Program

In order to collect enough problem statements for the first AOC meeting, TRB staff, in 2004, 

solicited research problems from a broad group of individuals interested in airport operations. 

Because relatively little coordinated research has been performed on topics initiated by airport 

operators prior to the creation of ACRP, there was a substantial backlog of important problems 

that needed to be solved. 

The solicitation effort by TRB generated much interest in the program and more than 100 

problem statements by the time the AOC had its first meeting in January 2006. As Table 8 

shows, the AOC allocated more than $7 million at its first meeting to initiate over 29 research 

projects. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 30

Table 8: First AOC Meeting, January 2006 – FY 2005/2006 Research Program 

Project 

Number Title Allocation ($) 

1-01 Guidebook for Managing Small Airports $400,000 

2-01 Alternative Aircraft and Airfield Deicing and Anti-Icing Formulations with 

Reduced Aquatic Toxicity and Biological Oxygen Demand $600,000 

2-02 Managing Runoff from Aircraft and Airfield Deicing and Anti-Icing Operations $300,000 

2-03 Airport-Related Hazardous Air Pollutants Analysis $600,000 

2-04 Research Needs Associated with Particulate Emissions at Airports $100,000 

3-01 Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) Deployment Standard for Airport 

Obstruction Surveys $350,000 

3-02 U.S. Airport Passenger-Related Processing Rates $200,000 

3-03 Enhancing Airport Land Use Compatibility $500,000 

3-04 Guidebook for Airport-User Survey Methodology $250,000 

4-01 Aircraft Overrun and Undershoot Analysis for Runway Safety Areas $250,000 

4-02 Lightning-Warning Systems for Use by Airports $200,000 

5-01 Guidance for Developing Regionally Coordinated Airport Emergency Plans for 

CBRNE Events $250,000 

7-01 New Concepts for Airport Terminal Landside Facilities $400,000 

7-02 Airport Curbside and Terminal-Area Roadway Operations $400,000 

9-01 Guidelines for the Collection and Use of Geospatially Referenced Data for 

Airfield Pavement Management $350,000 

10-01 Optimizing the Use of Aircraft Deicing and Anti-Icing Fluids $300,000 

10-02 Planning Guide for Offsite Terminals $350,000 

11 Special Projects Program $1,290,000 

 Total Allocation for First AOC Meeting, FY 2005/2006 $7,090,000 

The projects selected at the first AOC meeting consisted of both “standard” and “special” 

research projects. Table 9 lists the special projects selected and associated funds allocated at the 

first AOC meeting. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 31

Table 9: First AOC Meeting – Itemized Special Projects 

Project 

Number Title Allocation ($) 

 

PROJECT 11-01: Legal Aspects of Airport Programs 

 No specific projects chosen. Funds provided to ACRP Legal Panel for 

distribution. $200,000 

 Total Legal Program $200,000 

 

PROJECT 11-02: Quick Response for Special Needs 

11-02 / Task 1 Model for Improving Energy Use in U.S. Airport Facilities $100,000 

11-02 / Task 2 Airport Ground Access: Updating and Building Upon the Work of TCRP 

Reports 62 and 83 $100,000 

11-02 / Task 3 Improving Stabilization and Use of Aircraft Evacuation Slides at Airports $100,000 

 Funds remaining for future urgent requests $290,000 

 Total Quick Response Program $590,000 

 

PROJECT 11-03: Synthesis of Information Related to Airport Problems 

 No specific projects chosen. Funds provided to ACRP Synthesis Panel for 

distribution $500,000 

 Total Synthesis Program $500,000 

 

 Total Itemized Special Projects $1,290,000 

The allocation of funds to the three special projects areas required TRB to initiate the process of 

forming the respective panels of experts for the synthesis and legal studies programs. 

At the first Synthesis Panel meeting in May 2006, panelists selected a total of 5 projects to 

receive the funds provided during the first AOC meeting. Two of the projects were designated 

as “fast-track” products in order for the program to have valuable research products while the 

longer-term standard projects were being investigated. A “fast-track” designation in ACRP 

simply refers to a project having a priority placement in TRB’s administrative processes, such as 

contracting and editing. Table 10 lists the projects selected at the first Synthesis Panel meeting. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 32

Table 10: First Synthesis Panel Meeting, May 2006 

Project 

Number Title Allocation ($) 

11-03 / S01-01 

(Fast-Track) 

Synthesis 1 – Innovative Finance and Alternative Sources of Revenue for 

Airports $100,000 

11-03 / S03-01 

(Fast-Track) Synthesis 2 – Aviation Forecasting Methodologies $100,000 

11-03 / S03-02 Synthesis 5 – Airport Ground Access/Egress Mode Choice Models $100,000 

11-03 / S04-01 Synthesis 3 – General Aviation Safety and Security Practices $100,000 

11-03 / S10-01 Synthesis 4 – Counting Aircraft Traffic Operations at Small and Non-Towered 

Airports $100,000 

 Total Synthesis Panel Distribution $500,000 

The Legal Studies Panel met in June 2006. At this first meeting, the panel of legal experts 

selected nine projects and funded the three most pressing legal issues first. The remaining 

projects were developed and managed with the remaining legal funds but required future funding 

from the AOC to become fully operational. Table 11 lists the projects selected by the first Legal 

Studies Panel. 

Table 11: First Legal Panel Meeting, June 2006 

Project 

Number Title Allocation ($) 

11-01 / Topic 1 Compilation of Digest - Parts 13 and 16 Determinations and Related 

Documents $90,000 

11-01 / Topic 2 Theory and Law of Airport Revenue Diversion $40,000 

11-01 / Topic 3 Compilation / List of Airport Law Resources $18,000 

11-01 / Topic 4 Survey of Airport Laws and Regulation of Commercial Ground Transportation AOC Funding

Requested 

11-01 / Topic 5 Responsibilities for Implementation and Enforcement of Airport Land-Use 

Zoning Restrictions 

AOC Funding

Requested 

11-01 / Topic 6 Who is the Owner or Operator for Purposes of the Right to Self-Fuel? AOC Funding

Requested 

11-01 / Topic 7 The Impact of Airline Bankruptcies on Airports AOC Funding

Requested 

11-01 / Topic 8 The Law and Regulation of Airport Ownership AOC Funding

Requested 

11-01 / Topic 9 Survey of Elements of Disparity Studies for Airport Disadvantaged Business 

Enterprise Programs 

AOC Funding

Requested 

 Remaining for program management and development of other topics $52,000 

 Total Legal Panel Distribution $200,000 

Table 12 provides a summary of the progress made in ACRP’s first research cycle. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 33

Table 12: Summary of ACRP Progress – First AOC Meeting 

Performance Period: September 26, 2005 – January 31, 2006 

 

Funding: FY 2005 $3.0 million 

FY 2006 $10.0 million 

 

Studies Authorized

at Meeting: 

29 (17 full projects, 3 legal studies, 3 quick-response studies, and 5 synthesis 

projects) 

 

Problem Statements

Considered: 118 (representing over $140 million in research requests) 

The FY 2007 Research Program 

The research cycle observed by ACRP in FY 2005/2006 provided a template for subsequent 

years. An AOC meeting is held each summer and winter, and the appropriate panel convenes to 

select specific topics for study for any funded special projects. 

Two AOC meetings were conducted for the FY 2007 research program in July 2006 and January 

2007. Because of the timing of the Federal budgeting process, the summer AOC meeting 

operated under the assumption that the full requested FAA appropriation for the coming fiscal 

year would be available. The summer meeting, therefore, served as the “primary” meeting of the 

year; whatever funds the AOC chose not to allocate then would be available for the winter 

meeting. For the July 2006 meeting, remaining funds from the FY 2005/2006 budget 

($2.5295 million) and initial FY 2007 funds ($4.8455 million) determined the baseline amount of 

available funds of $7.375 million. Table 13 lists the projects selected by the AOC at that 

meeting. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 34

Table 13: Second AOC Meeting, July 2006 – Initial FY 2007 Research Program 

Project 

Number Title Allocation ($) 

1-02 Contract Award and Management-Best Practices for Airport Operators $300,000 

1-03 Software Solutions for Airport Management Budget and Reconciliation Tools $300,000 

2-04A Summarizing and Interpreting Aircraft Gaseous and Particulate Emissions at 

Airports $350,000 

2-05 Primer for Airport Managers on Community Attitudes to Aircraft Noise $500,000 

3-05 Airport Passenger Movement and Queuing Behavior Analysis $400,000 

3-06 Guidebook for Planning Automated People Mover Systems at Airports $500,000 

3-07 Performance Measures for Automated People Mover Systems at Airports $300,000 

3-08 Use of Incentives, Guarantees, and Subsidies for Air Carrier Service at Small 

Airports $300,000 

3-09 Guide for Developing Airport Strategic Plans and a Portfolio of Strategic Plans 

for U.S. Airport Operators for an Uncertain Future $425,000 

4-03 Runway End Approach Lighting Structure Hazard-Mitigation Analysis $300,000 

4-04 Simulation-Based Training and Exercise of Civil Aviation Emergency 

Response Personnel $500,000 

4-05 A Guidebook for Developing Airport Safety Management Systems $300,000 

7-03 Developing Improved Civil Aircraft Arresting Systems $500,000 

7-04 Use of Computer Tools for Airport Terminal Design $400,000 

7-05 Updated Terminal Design Guidelines $400,000 

10-03 Guide to Evaluating Parking Concepts and Technologies at Airports $300,000 

10-04 Potential Impacts of Very Light Jets on U.S. Airports $250,000 

11 Special Projects Program $1,050,000 

 Total Allocation for Second AOC Meeting, FY 2007 $7,375,000 

The second AOC meeting provided funds for all three special project areas. In particular, three 

legal topics previously chosen by the legal panel were funded, two quick-response projects were 

identified and funded, and the synthesis panel received funding for an additional five projects 

(Table 14). 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 35

Table 14: Second AOC Meeting – Itemized Special Projects 

Project 

Number Title Allocation ($) 

 

PROJECT 11-01: Legal Aspects of Airport Programs 

11-01 / Topic 4 Survey of Airport Laws and Regulation of Commercial Ground Transportation $25,000 

11-01 / Topic 5 Responsibilities for Implementation and Enforcement of Airport Land-Use 

Zoning Restrictions $28,000 

11-01 / Topic 6 Who is the owner or Operator for Purposes of the Right to Self-Fuel? $42,000 

 Remaining for program management and development of other topics $105,000 

 Total Legal Program $200,000 

 

PROJECT 11-02: Quick Response for Special Needs 

11-02 / Task 4 Overview of Safety Management Systems for Airports $100,000 

11-02 / Task 5 Quarantine Facilities for Arriving Air Travelers: Identification of Planning 

Needs and Costs $100,000 

 Funds remaining for future urgent requests $150,000 

 Total Quick Response Program $350,000 

 

PROJECT 11-03: Synthesis of Information Related to Airport Problems 

 No specific projects chosen. Funds provided to ACRP Synthesis Panel for 

distribution $500,000 

 Total Synthesis Program $500,000 

 

 Total Itemized Special Projects $1,050,000 

The second Synthesis Panel convened shortly after the AOC meeting to select specific topic 

areas for study. The panel identified six projects in total (Table 15). However, given that 

synthesis projects cost approximately $100,000 to complete, there was only enough funding for 

five of the projects. The panel prioritized the projects and funded the top five, keeping the sixth 

project as an alternate to be funded when more funds were made available. The panel sent a 

specific funding request for the alternate synthesis project to AOC members for consideration at 

the next meeting (third AOC meeting). 

Table 15: Second Synthesis Panel Meeting, November 2006 

Project 

Number Title Allocation ($) 

11-03 / S02-01 Effects of Aircraft Noise $100,000 

11-03 / S02-02 Sustainable Facilities and Practices $100,000 

11-03 / S03-03 Airport Economic Impact Methods and Models $100,000 

11-03 / S10-02 Common Use Facilities and Practices $100,000 

11-03 / S10-03 Airport Pavement Deicing Products, Use and Corrosion Damage $100,000 

11-03 / S09-01 Rubber Removal Techniques to Minimize Damage on Grooved Runways AOC Funding

Requested 

 Total Synthesis Panel Distribution $500,000 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 36

One year after AOC’s first meeting, most ACRP research projects were well under way and 

showing signs of progress (Table 16). Two of the fast-tracked synthesis projects had been 

completed and were in the process of publishing findings. All other projects selected at the first 

AOC meeting were in the active research phase of the research cycle (Phase 3), and many of the 

projects selected at the second AOC meeting were well into their project development phase 

(Phase 2). 

Table 16: Summary of ACRP Progress – Second AOC Meeting

Performance Period: February 1, 2006 – July 31, 2006 

 

Funding: FY 2007: $10 million 

 

Studies Authorized

at Meeting: 

26 (17 full projects, 3 legal studies, 2 quick-response studies, and 5 synthesis 

projects) 

 

Studies Authorized

To Date: 

55 (34 full projects, 6 legal studies, 5 quick-response studies, and 10 synthesis 

projects) 

 

Studies in Progress: 28 (16 full projects, 3 legal studies, 4 quick-response studies, and 5 synthesis 

projects) 

 

Number of Panel Slots

(Active Projects): 121 

 

Panel Meetings: 19 

 

Problem Statements

Considered: 

135 (representing over $49.5 million in research requests) 

 – 63 from FY 2005/2006 ($22.2 million) 

 – 68 new submissions ($26.1 million) 

 – 4 continuation requests from panels ($1.2 million) 

It was discovered during the development phase of two project selections that an additional level 

of effort (and subsequent additional funds) was required to fully accomplish the original 

objectives of the AOC. The respective project panels sent “continuation” request to the AOC for 

additional funds for these projects. The AOC considered those requests, as well as other 

problem statements, at their third meeting in January 2007. A total of $2,842,000 was allocated 

at the third meeting, resulting in the initiation of 11 projects (Table 17). 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 37

Table 17: Third AOC Meeting, January 2007 – Remaining FY 2007 Research Program

Project 

Number Title Allocation ($) 

 

NEW PROJECTS 

01-04 Marketing Techniques for Small Airports $200,000 

01-05 Guidebook for Airport Capital Project Delivery Systems $100,000 

02-06 Airport Implications of Climate Change Issues $200,000 

02-07 Evaluation of Airport Benefit/Cost Potential for Alternative Aviation Fuels $500,000 

03-10 Innovative Approaches to Addressing Aviation Capacity Issues in Coastal 

Mega-Regions $300,000 

06-01 Human Factors in Recovering from Airport Disasters/Disruptions $300,000 

11 Special Projects Program $892,000 

 Total New Projects $2,492,000 

 

CONTINUATIONS 

01-02 Guidebook for Developing and Managing Airport Contracts $100,000 

10-04 Potential Impacts of Very Light Jets on U.S. Airports $250,000 

 Total Continuations $350,000 

 

 Total Allocation for Third AOC Meeting, FY 2007 $2,842,000 

As in previous meetings, funding was allocated to all three special project areas (Table 18). 

Funds to the ACRP Legal Panel allowed for the full development of Topics 7 through 9. In 

addition, the AOC identified one quick-response project and one synthesis project for initiation 

and agreed to the Synthesis Panel’s request to fund the previously identified alternate project. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 38

Table 18: Third AOC Meeting – Itemized Special Projects 

Project 

Number Title Allocation ($) 

 

PROJECT 11-01: Legal Aspects of Airport Programs 

11-01 / Topic 7 The Impact of Airline Bankruptcies on Airports $45,000 

11-01 / Topic 8 The Law and Regulation of Airport Ownership $40,000 

11-01 / Topic 9 Survey of Elements of Disparity Studies for Airport Disadvantaged Business 

Enterprise Programs $59,000 

 Remaining for program management and development of other topics $131,000 

 Total Legal Program $275,000 

 

PROJECT 11-02: Quick Response for Special Needs 

11-02/ Task 6 Interagency Collaboration Workshop on the 

National Pandemic Plan for Airports and Airlines $100,000 

 Funds remaining for future urgent requests $317,000 

 Total Quick Response Program $417,000 

 

PROJECT 11-03: Synthesis of Information Related to Airport Problems 

11-03 / S04-02 Winter Operations Equipment and Procedures $100,000 

11-03 / S09-01 Rubber Removal Techniques to Minimize Damage on Grooved Runways $100,000 

 Total Synthesis Program $200,000 

 

 Total Itemized Special Projects $892,000 

A summary of ACRP progress made by the third AOC meeting is shown in Table 19. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 39

Table 19: Summary of ACRP Progress – Third AOC Meeting

Performance Period: August 1, 2006 – January 31, 2007 

 

Funding: FY 2007: $2.242 million remaining 

 

Studies Authorized 

at Meeting: 

12 (6 full projects, 3 legal studies, 1 quick-response studies, and 2 synthesis 

projects) 

 

Studies Authorized 

To Date: 

67 (40 full projects, 9 legal studies, 6 quick-response studies, and 12 synthesis 

projects) 

 

Studies in Progress: 28 (16 full projects, 3 legal studies, 4 quick-response studies, and 5 synthesis 

projects) 

 

Number of Panel Slots 

(Active Projects): 223 

 

Panel Meetings: 35 for the period, or 54 since program start-up 

 

Problem Statements 

Considered: 

18 (representing $5.06 million in research requests) 

 – 14 new submissions ($4.33 million) 

 – 4 continuation requests from current panels ($.73 million) 

FY 2008 Research Program 

For FY 2008, ACRP continued to focus on high-priority needs identified by the airport 

community. As in previous years, the summer AOC meeting, held in July 2007, assumed that 

the full FAA appropriation of $10 million would be available for research programming. 

Table 20 lists the results of the fourth AOC meeting. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 40

Table 20: Fourth AOC Meeting, July 2007 – FY 2008 Research Program 

Project 

Number Title Allocation ($) 

 

NEW PROJECTS 

01-06 A Guidebook for Developing an Airport Performance-Measurement System $400,000 

01-07 Airport-Airline Agreements and Rate Methodologies-Trends and 

Characteristics $400,000 

01-08 Developing Best Management Practices-Airport Leasing Policy and Metrics for 

Evaluating Private Investments on Airports $400,000 

02-08 Quantifying Contribution to Local Air Quality Impacts from Airport-Related 

Emissions $600,000 

02-09 Developing a Comprehensive Work Plan for a Multi-Modal Noise and 

Emissions Model $200,000 

03-11 Preservation of Public-Use Airports $600,000 

03-12 Guidelines for Preparing Peak Period and Operational Profiles to Improve 

Airport Facility Planning and Environmental Analyses $350,000 

03-13 Understanding Airspace Analysis Tools for Airport Planning $200,000 

03-14 Airport Passenger Conveyance System Usage/Throughput $300,000 

04-06 Analysis and Best Management Practices for the Prevention of Wildlife Strikes 

at Small Airports $300,000 

07-06 Airport Signage and Wayfinding Information Guidelines $250,000 

10-05 Improved Understanding of Common Use Facilities at Airports $500,000 

10-06 Effects of Constrained Public and Employee Parking on Airport Access $400,000 

11 Special Projects Program $2,375,000 

 Total New Projects $7,275,000 

 

CONTINUATIONS 

01-05 Guidebook for Airport Capital Delivery Systems $25,000 

 Total Continuations $25,000 

 

 Total Allocation for the Fourth AOC Meeting, FY 2008 $7,300,000 

In addition to funding the three special projects program areas, the AOC established and funded 

a new, fourth area: 11-04, Graduate Research Award Program on Public-Sector Aviation Issues. 

The new area aimed to accomplish several objectives simultaneously, including having the 

ability to study small-scale problems of interest to airport operators or very focused aspects of 

much larger, ongoing ACRP efforts. The dual benefit of having enterprising graduate students 

perform this research would be providing ACRP with high-quality research results at a fraction 

of the costs and encourage young researchers to work in the airport industry. Table 21 provides 

a breakdown of the special projects selected at the fourth meeting. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 41

Table 21: Fourth AOC Meeting – Itemized Special Projects 

Project 

Number Title Allocation ($) 

 

PROJECT 11-01: Legal Aspects of Airport Programs 

 No specific projects chosen. Funds provided to ACRP Legal Panel for 

distribution. $300,000 

 Total Legal Program $300,000 

 

PROJECT 11-02: Quick Response for Special Needs 

11-02 / Task 7 Strategic Process for Developing ACRP Research Problem Statements $100,000 

11-02 / Task 8 Enhanced Modeling of Aircraft Taxiway Noise-Scoping $100,000 

11-02 / Task 9 Visibility of Airfield Signs and Markings from Aircraft and Ground Vehicles $100,000 

11-02 / Task 

10 Estimate of National Use of Aircraft and Airfield Deicing Materials $100,000 

 Funds remaining for future urgent requests $1,075,000 

 Total Quick Response Program $1,475,000 

 

PROJECT 11-03: Synthesis of Information Related to Airport Problems 

 No specific projects chosen. Funds provided to ACRP Synthesis Panel for 

distribution. $500,000 

 Total Synthesis Program $500,000 

 

PROJECT 11-04: Graduate Research Award Program 

 No specific projects chosen. Funds provided to ACRP Graduate Research 

Panel for distribution. $100,000 

 Total Graduate Research Program $100,000 

 

 Total Itemized Special Projects $2,375,000 

A second Legal Studies Panel was convened in October 2007 as the full complement of projects 

previously selected by the panel had been funded and initiated. The overall progress of the legal 

program was reviewed at the meeting, and new problem statements were considered for future 

initiation. Four new projects were chosen for development, as shown in Table 22. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 42

Table 22: Second Legal Panel Meeting, October 2007 

Project 

Number Title Allocation ($) 

11-01 / Topic 

10 The Implications of Obstructions that Affect Navigable Airspace $60,000 

11-01 / Topic 

11 

The Use and Success of Avigation Easements and Other Tools for Compatible 

Land Use $60,000 

11-01 /Topic 

12 Case Studies on Community Challenges to Airport Development $60,000 

11-01 / Topic 

13 

Analysis of Federal Laws, Regulations, and Case Law Regarding Airport 

Proprietary Rights $60,000 

 Remaining for program management and development of other topics $60,000 

 Total Legal Panel Distribution $300,000 

The outcome of the fourth Synthesis Panel meeting was very similar to that of the second 

meeting. Six projects were identified for research (Table 23), but there was only enough funding 

for five projects. As before, the panel prioritized the projects, funded the top five, and prepared a 

request for the AOC to consider funding the sixth project at the next AOC meeting. 

Table 23: Fourth Synthesis Panel Meeting, December 2007 

Project 

Number Title Allocation ($) 

11-03 / S02-03 Addressing Noise Outside the DNL 65 $100,000 

11-03 / S02-04 Approaches to the Integration of Airport Planning and National Environmental 

Policy Act (NEPA) Processes $100,000 

11-03 / S03-04 Airport System Planning Practices $100,000 

Tentative 

(cancelled) 

Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Sensor Technology for General 

Aviation Airports $100,000 

11-03 / S03-05 Measuring Benefits from Airport Development Projects at Smaller Airports / 

Best Practices for Determining Benefits for Airport Benefit-Cost Analysis $100,000 

11-03 / S-04-

03 

Identification of the Requirements and Training to Obtain Driving Privileges on 

Airfields. 

AOC Funding

Requested 

 Total Synthesis Panel Distribution $500,000 

The Graduate Research Award Panel will meet in January 2007 to establish procedures for 

program. Individual research projects will subsequently be chosen in late FY 2008 or early 

FY 2009. 

Table 24 summarizes ACRP progress made by the fourth AOC meeting. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 43

Table 24: Summary of ACRP Progress – Fourth AOC Meeting

Performance Period: February 1, 2007 – December 31, 2007 

 

Funding: FY 2008: $10 million 

 

Studies Authorized 

at Meeting: 

 27 (13 full projects, 4 legal studies, 4 quick-response studies, 5 synthesis 

projects, and 1 graduate research program) 

 

Studies Authorized 

To Date: 

94 (53 full projects, 13 legal studies, 10 quick-response studies, 17 synthesis 

projects, and 1 graduate research program) 

 

Studies in Progress: 56 (37 full projects, 7 legal studies, 6 quick-response studies, and 6 synthesis 

projects) 

 

Studies Completed 

To Date: 

14 (6 syntheses, 1 full project, 2 legal studies, 4 quick-response, and 1 

workshop) 

 

Studies Published: 7 (1 report, 4 syntheses, and 2 digests) 

 

Number of Panel Slots 

(Active Projects): 387 

 

Panel Meetings: 75 for the period, 129 since program start up 

 

Problem Statements 

Considered: 

142 (representing $46.3 million in research requests) 

 – 139 new submissions ($45.2 million) 

 – 3 continuation requests from current panels ($1.1 million) 

Program Finance 

Because program funding is an integral part of ACRP, a summary of the budgets for each ACRP 

operational years is provided in Tables 25 through 27.
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 44

Table 25: ACRP FY 2005/2006 Program Budget 

PROGRAM BUDGET 

ACRP FY 2005/2006 

 

FRINGE BENEFITS = 33.43% 

OVERHEAD = 70.88% 

GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE = 19.81% 

FLOW-THROUGH = 3.62% 

 

ACRP Program Appropriation 13,000,000 

FAA Administrative Takedown 174,000 

FUNDS AVAILABLE 12,826,000

 

Technical Direction* 

Salaries & Wages 682,300 

Fringes 228,093 

Overhead 645,259 

Travel 450,000 

Publications 250,000 

Technology 80,000 

Other 10,000 

Printing & Duplicating (Office) 40,000 

G&A 472,622 

SUBTOTAL (2,858,274)

 

Balance Available for Research + F-T 9,967,726

 

F-T (Subcontract) (348,226)

BALANCE AVAILABLE FOR 

RESEARCH 9,619,500

 

AMOUNT PROGRAMMED BY AOC IN JANUARY 2006 (7,090,000)

AMOUNT PROGRAMMED BY AOC IN JULY 2006 (2,529,500)

 

BALANCE AVAILABLE FOR PROGRAMMING 0

* Note: For clarification purposes, the amounts budgeted for indirect costs are determined by the indirect cost rates 

established and adjusted each year by Government auditing agencies. These costs are used to support rent, utilities, 

accounting, contracts and grants, personnel administration, and other services.
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 45

Table 26: ACRP FY 2007 Program Budget 

PROGRAM BUDGET 

ACRP FY 2007 

 

FRINGE BENEFITS = 33.43% 

OVERHEAD = 70.88% 

GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE = 19.81% 

FLOW-THROUGH = 3.62% 

 

ACRP Program Appropriation 10,000,000 

FAA Administrative Takedown 150,000 

FUNDS AVAILABLE 9,850,000 9,850,000

 

Technical Direction 

Salaries & Wages 524,040 

Fringes 175,187 

Overhead 495,591 

Travel 345,735 

Publications 192,075 

Technology 61,084 

Other 7,561 

Printing & Duplicating (Office) 30,840 

G&A 362,960 

SUBTOTAL (2,195,073)

 

Balance Available for Research + F-T 7,654,928

 

F-T (Subcontract) (267,428)

BALANCE AVAILABLE FOR 

RESEARCH 7,387,500

 

AMOUNT PROGRAMMED BY AOC IN JULY 2006 (4,845,500)

AMOUNT PROGRAMMED BY AOC IN JANUARY 2007 (2,542,000)

 

BALANCE AVAILABLE FOR PROGRAMMING 0
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 46

Table 27: ACRP FY 2008 Program Budget 

PROGRAM BUDGET 

ACRP FY 2008 

 

FRINGE BENEFITS = 33.43% 

OVERHEAD = 70.88% 

GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE = 19.81% 

FLOW-THROUGH = 3.62% 

 

ACRP Program Appropriation 10,000,000 

FAA Administrative Takedown 200,000 

Assumed Income 9,800,000 

FUNDS AVAILABLE 9,800,000

 

Adjustment for 2007 Increased Administrative Takedown 50,000

Technical Direction 

Salaries & Wages 526,500 

Fringes 173,745 

Overhead 501,533 

Travel 331,120 

Publications 192,601 

Technology 61,569 

Other 8,525 

Printing & Duplicating (Office) 27,159 

G&A 360,282 

SUBTOTAL (2,183,034)

 

Balance Available for Research + F-T 7,616,966

 

F-T (Subcontract) (316,966)

BALANCE AVAILABLE FOR 

RESEARCH 7,300,000

 

AMOUNT PROGRAMMED BY AOC IN JULY 2007 (7,300,000)

BALANCE AVAILABLE FOR PROGRAMMING 0

An important contribution to ACRP that is not reflected in the ACRP budgets above is the value 

of volunteer time contributed by ACRP panel members. All panel members serve as volunteers; 

they are reimbursed only for travel expenses. There are currently 267 airport professionals 

working on project panels, each for an average of at least 3 days per year. The value of time 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 47

spent by volunteers is estimated to be more than $1.5 million annually, representing significant 

savings for the ACRP budget. 

Progress Summary

Tables 28 through 31 summarize key indicators representing ACRP progress during the first 

2 years of operation. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 48

Table 28: ACRP Fact Sheet 

Performance Period: September 26, 2005 – December 31, 2007 

 

Funding: 

FY 2005: $3 Million 

FY 2006: $10 Million 

FY 2007: $10 Million 

FY 2008: $10 Million 

 

FY 2005/2006 

Studies Authorized: 

First AOC Meeting: 29 (17 full projects, 3 legal studies, 3 quick-response 

studies, and 5 synthesis projects) 

 

FY 2007 

Studies Authorized: 

Second AOC Meeting: 26 (17 full projects, 3 legal studies, 2 quickresponse studies, and 5 synthesis projects) 

 Third AOC Meeting: 12 (6 full projects, 3 legal studies, 1 quick-response 

studies, and 2 synthesis projects) 

 

FY 2008 

Studies Authorized: 

Fourth AOC Meeting: 27 (13 full projects, 4 legal studies, 4 quickresponse studies, 5 synthesis projects, and 1 graduate research program) 

 

Total 

Studies Authorized: 

94 (53 full projects, 13 legal studies, 10 quick-response, 17 synthesis 

projects, and 1 graduate research program) 

 

Total 

Allocated to Research $24,307,000 

 

Studies Completed: 14 (6 syntheses, 1 full project, 2 legal studies, 4 quick-response, and 

1 workshop) 

 

Studies Published: 7 (1 report, 4 syntheses, and 2 digests) 

 

Number of Panel Slots 

(Active Projects): 387 

 

Panel Meetings: 129 

 

Problem Statements 

Considered To Date: 338 

 

Proposals Received: 252 (average 6.5 per project) 

 

Proposers: 151 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 49

Table 29: Allocation of ACRP Funds Through 2007 

Research Field Allocated 

($) 

With 

Special Projects 

(%) 

Without 

Special Projects 

(%) 

1. Administration $2,625,000 11 14 

2. Environment $3,950,000 16 21 

3. Planning $4,975,000 21 26 

4. Safety $1,550,000 7 10 

5. Security $250000 1 1 

6. Human Resources $300000 1 2 

7. Design $2,350,000 10 12 

8. Construction $0 0 0 

9. Maintenance $350000 1 2 

10. Operations $2,350,000 10 12 

11. Special Projects $5,307,000 22 -- 

 

TOTAL 

 

$23,107,000 90 95 

Table 30: Origin of Problem Statements 

FY 2005/2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 Selected to Date 

Organization Number Percentage

(%) Number Percentage(%) Number Percentage (%) Number Percentage(%) 

Airport Operator 23 20.0 9 13.2 16 11.5 9 16.6 

State DOT 13 11.3 5 7.4 8 5.8 3 5.6 

FAA 0 0 0 0 8 5.8 6 11.1 

Industry Associations 

Staff / Committee 13 11.3 2 2.9 11 7.9 10 18.5 

TRB Committee 1 0.9 0 0 6 4.3 4 7.4 

Industry 1 0.9 6 8.8 23 16.5 2 3.8 

University 30 26.1 15 22.1 22 15.8 6 11.1 

Consultant 29 25.2 26 38.2 30 21.6 9 16.6 

Other 5 4.3 5 7.4 15 10.8 5 9.3 

TOTAL 0 94 0 74 0 76 0 74 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 50

Table 31: Panel Composition of Active Projects 

 Number Percentage 

(%) 

Airport Operator 128 47.9 

State Gov't 9 3.4 

Local Gov't/MPO 6 2.3 

Federal Gov't 8 3 

Industry/Consultants/ 

Private Sector 89 33.3 

University 22 8.2 

Affiliation 

Association 5 1.9 

 Members / Chairs Members / Chairs 

White 168 / 33 80.0 / 82.5 Race 

Minorities 42 / 7 20.0 / 17.5 

 Members / Chairs Members / Chairs 

Male 174 / 30 76.7 / 75.0 Gender 

Female 53 / 10 23.3 / 25.0 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 51

Chapter 6: Findings and Recommendations 

The applied research activities conducted thus far under the auspices of ACRP signal the 

beginning of a new era in the exploration and development of solutions to problems faced by 

U.S. airports. 

A number of conclusions can be drawn from the progress of ACRP throughout its initial years 

and recommendations made to improve and expand the program’s possibilities. 

Findings 

• ACRP serves the airport industry as a dynamic, well-designed vehicle for solving a 

variety of airport problems through applied research. 

The operating foundation provided by the FAA, National Academies, and the TRB 

allows ACRP to function smoothly and efficiently. Research needs submitted to ACRP 

cover a wide range of interests, and the program is able to deliver a variety of research 

products needed to solve identified needs. The current ACRP research portfolio contains 

a combination of long- and short-term, broad and narrow-scoped projects covering the 

full spectrum of airport problems. 

• The ACRP Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) provides a strong foundation for 

the program. 

 The main tenets of the MOA regarding organization, direction, management, and funding 

have provided a strong foundation for running the program as it was envisioned during 

the drafting of the original guidance documents. Because the TRB has successfully 

operated other cooperative research programs for many years, TRB staff was able to draw 

upon and refine both the lessons from and most successful elements of those programs 

when managing ACRP.

• The composition of the program’s governing board, the ACRP Oversight 

Committee (AOC), provides a balanced representation of the airport industry. 

 The AOC is meant to represent a microcosm of the U.S. airport industry. Members come 

from a good mix of large-, medium-, and small-hub airports as well as non-hubs and 

general aviation airports. Members also come from academia, private industry, aviation 

associations, airlines, and the Government. 

 

• The AOC provides excellent guidance and ensures projects are carefully considered 

during the selection process and funded according to the greatest needs of the 

industry. 

 The AOC has responded admirably to the responsibility and challenge of selecting 

 projects for the ACRP research portfolio. Through December 2007, the AOC has 

 reviewed over 338 problems statements representing over $140 million in research 

 requests. Of those requests, 94 projects have been selected and initiated at a cost of 

 $24.307 million. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 52

• ACRP operating costs are contained and in-line with similarly run cooperative 

research programs in other industries. 

When compared to the two other long-standing cooperative research programs at TRB, 

the cost structure for ACRP is reasonable, if not superior to the NCHRP and TCRP 

models. Fully 75 percent of funds expended within ACRP are dedicated directly to 

research, as compared to 74 percent for NCHRP and 66 percent for TCRP. Of the 

remaining 25 percent of ACRP funds, overhead accounts for 3.68 percent. 

• The TRB staff provides successful program management and administration of 

ACRP. 

The TRB staff—including the Director of Cooperative Research, who serves as the 

AOC’s Secretariat, and the many Senior Program Officers (SPOs), who manage the dayto-day operations of individual projects—work diligently and professionally to carry out 

the mission of ACRP. They provide notable support to the AOC support, including 

logistical support for meetings and problem statement collection and review. The duties 

required to manage and support the resulting individual projects are significant, and the 

SPOs must do so while managing a number of projects simultaneously. 

• There is significant involvement from airport industry stakeholders in all phases of 

the ACRP research cycle. 

There are three primary ways to participate in ACRP, and the initial statistics showing 

how airport industry stakeholders participate in the program are very promising. For the 

purposes of this report, airport industry stakeholders include airport operators; the 

general/flying public; consultants; trade associations; universities; and Federal, State, and 

local government officials. These stakeholders participate in the following ways: 

o Identifying research needs and submitting problem statements. 

Through the submission of problem statements, concerned stakeholders have 

provided the ideas for virtually every research project currently under way in 

ACRP, save for the few that have been suggested by AOC members (who are also 

stakeholders). To date, ACRP has received over 338 problem statements, 

covering all areas of interest in the airport industry (see Tables 29 and 30). 

 

o Serving as subject matter experts on technical panels. 

The number of volunteers for project panels indicates strong support for the 

program. Of the 387 individuals currently serving on ACRP panels, almost half 

are airport operators. They are also a diverse group with minorities and women 

accounting for 20 and 22 percent of panelists, respectively (see Table 32).

o Submitting proposals in response to RFPs and conducting research on 

selected projects. 

Industry members both capable and qualified to perform ACRP research have 

shown significant interest in the program. Over 151 different proposers and 

organizations have taken the time and energy to develop and submit over 252 

project proposals, yielding an average of over 6.5 submissions per project. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 53

Recommendations 

• ACRP should be made permanent. 

The Vision 100–Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act of 2003 (Vision 100) initially 

formed ACRP as a pilot program. Based on the success of the program in its first two 

operational years and the demonstrated need and interest of the airport community, the 

Secretary recommends that ACRP be converted into a permanent entity. 

 

• ACRP funding should be increased to perform research addressing the public’s 

increasing concern over airport-related environmental issues.

 A proposed increase in the environmental research currently being performed under 

ACRP would allow examination of the impact an airport has on the surrounding 

environment and new technologies for creating an environmentally friendly airport 

system. Potential project areas would include the study of airport-related hazardous air 

pollutants, the impact of airports on climate change, alternative aviation fuels, and 

advanced noise and emissions models. 

 

The FAA’s FY 2008 reauthorization proposal includes a provision to continue ACRP 

beyond the four-year pilot program and make it permanent. The proposal also includes a 

provision to increase ACRP funding authorization from $10 to $15 million annually. The 

additional funds would be dedicated to applied environmental research. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005–2007) 54

This page intentionally left blank. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-1

Appendix A: Research Project Details 

Appendix A provides more detailed descriptions of ongoing and completed ACRP research 

projects. 

Completed Research 

Project: 11-02 / Task 01 

Title: Model for Improving Energy Use in U.S. Airport Facilities 

Objective: 

The objective of this task was to demonstrate the potential for energy savings in U.S. airports by 

conducting a study of Terminals B and D at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport regarding Operations and 

Maintenance (O&M), commissioning of energy consuming systems, and energy conservation 

retrofit measures. This objective was accomplished by conducting airport surveys, engineering 

analysis and producing a model energy report and informational brochure that focuses on protypical operations, building commissioning, and energy conservation retrofits opportunities. 

Start Date: 10/13/2006 End Date: 7/31/2007 

Budget: $150,000 (FY 06) Contractor: Texas A&M Energy Systems Laboratory 

Status: The revised final report will be published as ACRP Research Results Digest 2 in December 2007. 

 

Project: 11-02 / Task 02 

Title: Airport Ground Access: Updating and Building Upon the Work of TCRP Reports 62 and 83 

Objective: 

The objectives of this task are to: (a) improve the documentation of all airport ground access 

projects, with an emphasis on those which have occurred since the publication of TCRP Report 62 

in 2000; (b) improve the documentation of changes in airport access strategies since the 

publication of both reports with a review of recent developments in such areas as downtown 

check- in, automation of the check in process, and integration with existing regional rail 

infrastructure; (c) provide airport managers with user-friendly, concise, and accurate 

documentation concerning trends in the area of airport ground access; and (d) support and 

facilitate the dissemination of the latest information relative to airport managers through media 

such as printed reports, and PowerPoint presentations to relevant professional organizations. The 

proposed research will create new updated, timely documentation of the characteristics of ground 

access markets in a manner which builds upon existing products already produced under the 

Transit Cooperative Research Program. 

Start Date: 8/16/2006 End Date: 9/30/2007 

Budget: $90,000 (FY 06) Contractor: Matthew Coogan 

Status: Completed - Publication Pending 

 

Project: 11-02 / Task 04 

Title: Overview of Safety Management Systems--Definition and Status 

Objective: 

The objective of this task was to develop an overview document regarding airport safety 

management systems that defines what such a system is, and provides a summary of existing 

practice in other countries and industries. 

Start Date: 1/2/2007 End Date: 11/2/2007 

Budget: $100,000 (FY 07) Contractor: MITRE Corporation 

Status: Completed - Published as Report 1, Volume 1 in September 2007 

 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-2

Project: 11-02 / Task 06 

Title: Interagency-Industry Collaboration on Pandemic Planning for Aviation: A Workshop 

Objective: 

This task conducted a workshop of airport and airline representatives with the various Federal 

agencies involved in responding to a potential pandemic to clarify roles, discuss issues of mutual 

interest, and identify further coordination activities needed. 

Start Date: 2/15/2007 End Date: 9/15/2007 

Budget: $100,000 (FY 07) Contractor: TRB Technical Activities Division 

Status: Completed - Workshop held in September 2007 

 

Project: 11-03 / S01-01 

Title: Innovative Finance and Alternative Sources of Revenue for Airports 

Objective: 

This report explores alternative financing options and revenue sources currently available or that 

could be available in the future to airport operators, stakeholders, and policymakers in the United 

States. The report examines common capital funding sources used by airport operators, a reviews 

capital financing mechanisms used by airports, describes various revenue sources developed by 

airport operators, and a reviews privatization options available to U.S. airport operators. 

Start Date: 6/30/2006 End Date: 4/30/2007 

Budget: $100,000 (FY 06) Contractor: Jacobs Consultancy 

Status: Completed - Published as Synthesis 1 

 

Project: 11-03 / S02-01 

Title: Effects of Aircraft Noise: Update on Selected Topics 

Objective: The objective of this project is to provide a compendium of research conducted since 1985 that 

addresses the effects of aircraft noise on residents living near airport. 

Start Date: 3/1/2007 End Date: 3/1/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $100,000 (FY 07) Contractor: Mestre Greve Associates 

Status: Research Completed - Publication Pending 

 

Project: 11-03 / S02-02 

Title: Airport Sustainability Practices 

Objective: 

The objective of this project is to synthesize information on airport sustainability practices beyond 

LEED certification and EMS, and include a discussion on monitoring, measuring and reporting 

techniques used throughout the industry. It will identify triple bottom line components (defined as 

categories of economic, environmental and social equity practices) airports are considering, 

planning, or have undertaken. Barriers to implementation of sustainable practices will also be 

identified. 

Start Date: 3/1/2007 End Date: 3/1/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $100,000 (FY 07) Contractor: Arup & Partners California Ltd. 

Status: Research Completed - Publication Pending 

 

Project: 11-03 / S03-01 

Title: Airport Aviation Activity Forecasting 

Objective: 

This report examines how airport forecasts are used and identifies common aviation metrics, 

aviation data sources, issues in data collection and preparation, and special data issues at nontowered airports. The report also explores available forecasting methods, including the primary 

statistical methods; market share analysis; econometric modeling; and time series modeling. In 

addition the report reviews forecast uncertainty, accuracy, issues of optimism bias, and options for 

resolving differences when multiple forecast are available. 

Start Date: 6/30/2006 End Date: 4/1/2007 

Budget: $100,000 (FY 06) Contractor: GRA, Inc. 

Status: Completed - Published as Synthesis 2 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-3

 

Project: 11-03 / S03-02 

Title: Airport Ground Access Mode Choice Models 

Objective: The objective of this project is to synthesis the state of the practice for Airport Access Mode 

Choice Models. 

Start Date: 10/1/2006 End Date: 3/1/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $100,000 (FY 06) Contractor: Aviation System Consulting, LLC. 

Status: Research Completed - Publication Pending 

 

Project: 11-03 / S03-03 

Title: Airport Economic Impact Methods and Models 

Objective: 

The focus of this synthesis is on how economic impact studies of airports are conducted today, 

which is quite different from the incremental economic benefit/cost analysis of investing in an 

airport project. This project will focus specifically on methods and models used to (a) define and 

identify, (b) evaluate and measure and (c) communicate the different facets of economic impact 

and community benefits that local airports are having on or provide to communities and regions. 

Start Date: 3/1/2007 End Date: 3/1/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $100,000 (FY 07) Contractor: Hoyle, Tanner & Associates 

Status: Research Completed - Publication Pending 

 

Project: 11-03 / S04-01 

Title: General Aviation Safety and Security Practices 

Objective: 

The purpose of this project is to examine resources used by the general aviation community in the 

development of safety and security programs, explores funding sources and issues that determine 

the amount of money spent on such programs, and describes current practices that general aviation 

airports use to keep their facilities safe and secure. 

Start Date: 10/1/2006 End Date: 8/1/2007 

Budget: $100,000 (FY 07) Contractor: Reynolds, Smith & Hills, Inc. 

Status: Completed - Published as Synthesis 3 

 

Project: 11-03 / S10-01 

Title: Counting Aircraft Operations at Non-Towered Airports 

Objective: 

This report explores the different methods used by states, airports, and metropolitan planning 

organizations (MPOs) to count and estimate aircraft operations at non-towered airports. The 

report also examines new technologies that can be used for these counts and estimates. 

Start Date: 11/1/2006 End Date: 8/1/2007 

Budget: $100,000 (FY 07) Contractor: Aerofinity 

Status: Completed - Published as Synthesis 4 

 

Project: 11-03 / S10-02 

Title: Common Use Facilities and Equipment at Airports 

Objective: 

The intended audience of this report includes airport operators and stakeholders considering 

transition to common use facilities and equipment. Stakeholder perspectives considered are 

airlines, passengers, government, vendors and ground handlers. The researcher will survey 

airports on their experience with current and planned common-use facilities. The synthesis will 

include advantages and disadvantages of common-use systems, business and operational practices 

that require modification to implement common-use, and actual experience to date. 

Start Date: 3/1/2007 End Date: 3/1/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $100,000 (FY 07) Contractor: Barich, Inc 

Status: Research Completed - Publication Pending 

 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-4

Project: 11-03 / S10-03 

Title: Impacts of Airport Pavement Deicing Products on Aircraft and Airfield Infrastructure 

Objective: 

The synthesis will assemble and update information on the quantities and types of PDPs used over 

the years on aircraft and airfield infrastructure. Field reports increasingly suggest that the use of 

Pavement Deicing Products (PDPs), including alkali acetate and alkali formate products (such as 

sodium- and potassium- acetate and formate based products), on aprons, runways and taxiways 

may result in substantial damage to various aircraft and airfield infrastructure. The researcher will 

produce a matrix identifying specific PDPs used and their respective volumes at each respondent 

airport, and conduct a literature review and assemble readily available documentation of damage 

reported from the use of PDPs at airports, including reports from the Federal Aviation 

Administration; aircraft brake manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, airlines, airports, and PDP 

manufacturers, along with any information on outcomes from reported damage. 

Start Date: 3/1/2007 End Date: 3/1/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $100,000 (FY 07) Contractor: Jacobs Consultancy 

Status: Research Completed - Publication Pending 

Ongoing Research 

1. Administration 

Project: 01-01 

Title: Guidebook for Managing Small Airports 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to develop a practical, easy-to-use guidebook for managing 

small airports. The guidebook should be useful to owners, operators, managers, and policy 

makers of small airports. To achieve this objective, it will be necessary to (1) identify 

fundamental management principles, (2) identify best practices for effective use and 

management of resources and facilities, and (3) present the information in an attractive, 

convenient format. A major element of this research should be to identify best practices to 

achieve safe and efficient operation while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements 

and Federal obligations. 

Start Date: 9/19/2006 End Date: 10/23/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $397,230 (FY 06) Contractor: University of Minnesota 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 01-02 

Title: Guidebook for Developing and Managing Airport Contracts 

Objective: 

The objective of this project is to develop an intuitive, easy-to-use guidebook of best practices 

for developing, soliciting, and managing airport agreements for use by airports of all sizes. The 

guidebook shall include an interactive CD-ROM that contains templates with options and 

alternatives for each type of agreement. These shall include, but not be limited to, agreements for 

airport use (airline and non-airline); design and construction; commercial development; 

commercial operations; management; intergovernmental relations; real estate; maintenance and 

operations of buildings and grounds; utilities; administrative services; military use; airport 

“through-the-fence” operations; common-use facilities; ground transportation; concessions for a 

variety of passenger services (rental car, parking, retail/food/beverage); and others as 

appropriate. For the purpose of this project, the term “agreement” includes contracts, leases, 

purchase orders and similar documents. 

Start Date: 4/24/2007 End Date: 6/23/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $315,000 (FY 07) Contractor: HNTB 

Status: Research in Progress 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-5

Project: 01-03 

Title: Recommended Practices to Collect and Integrate Airport Operational and Financial Data 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to develop a handbook of recommended practices to identify, 

gather, process, and report an airport’s financial and operational data. The handbook shall 

provide useful information and resources for airports as they implement systems necessary to 

meet operational needs properly, make informed business decisions, and forecast operational and 

financial trends. 

The handbook shall (a) identify current airport industry best practices; (b) examine technologies 

that can be used to timely, efficiently, and accurately gather, process, and report financial and 

operational data; (c) develop cafeteria-style technical specifications that can be used by airports 

to procure appropriate technologies; (d) develop minimum voluntary performance guidelines for 

practices and technologies used to identify, gather, process, and report financial and operational 

data; (e) describe a vision for a fully integrated airport-business data system, based on new 

desirable practices, and needed technology; and (f) describe a process that can be followed to put 

this vision into practice. 

Start Date: 8/10/2007 End Date: 9/10/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $300,000 (FY 07) Contractor: Aero Tech Consulting 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 01-04 

Title: Marketing Techniques for Small Airports 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to develop a guidebook for small airport marketing, external 

communications, and public information. The guidebook should describe effective airport 

marketing practices, provide guidance in their use, and assist airports in developing an airport 

marketing strategy. 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: $200,000 (FY 07) Contractor: Eclat Consulting 

Status: Contract Pending 

 

Project: 01-05 

Title: Guidebook for Airport Capital Project Delivery Systems 

Objective: 

Building on the work of TCRP Project G-8, A Guidebook for the Evaluation of Project Delivery 

Methods, and NCHRP Project 20-73, Accelerating Transportation Program and Project Delivery: 

Conception to Completion, the objective of this research would be to develop a guidebook for 

airport capital project delivery systems. 

Start Date: 4/4/2007 End Date: 7/4/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $100,000 (FY 07) Contractor: Northeastern University 

 $25,000 (FY 08) 

Status: Research in Progress 

 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-6

Project: 01-06 

Title: Guidebook for Developing an Airport Performance-Measurement System 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to produce a practical, user-friendly guidebook that will (1) 

assist airport management in understanding the practical benefits of a performance-measurement 

system; (2) identify methods to help airports discern how well they are meeting their customer 

and stakeholder expectations; (3) guide the development and implementation of the most 

appropriate performance-measurement system; and (4) provide examples of key performance 

indicators, and how to incorporate them into a system. Performance-measurement systems 

resulting from this guidebook will enhance the decision-making process to improve service and 

efficiency. 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: $400,000 (FY 08) Contractor: 

Status: In Development 

 

Project: 01-07 

Title: Airport/Airline Agreements and Rate Methodologies—Practices and Characteristics 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to develop a resource manual for airport and airline 

professionals that will (1) describe the current range of practices and characteristics of airport 

and airline relationships and their relative, underlying airport and airline business models; (2) 

identify and briefly summarize rates and charges policies and guidance; (3) identify, compare, 

and contrast airport and airline critical issues, objectives, and considerations inherent in 

airport/airline agreements or other business arrangements; and (4) identify and synthesize the 

trade-offs and linkages among the critical issues as they relate to common objectives for 

airport/airline negotiations. 

 

Note: For purposes of this project, some examples of critical issues include, but are not limited 

to, air service incentives, discretionary revenue or revenue sharing, tenant-airline participation in 

negotiations, capital plan approval processes, categorization of space, space utilization policies, 

cost recovery strategies, classification of carriers, loss (bankruptcy) mitigation strategies, 

common-use facility or services, financial goals, and debt management strategies. An essential 

part of this project will include discussion among airport and airline industry representatives to 

validate the content and conclusions in the resource manual and to maximize the value and 

credibility of a final publication. 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: $400,000 (FY 08) Contractor: 

Status: In Development 

 

Project: 01-08 

Title: Developing Best Management Practices-Airport Leasing Policy and Metrics for Evaluating 

Private Investments on Airports 

Objective: 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: $400,000 (FY 08) Contractor: 

Status: In Development 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-7

2. Environment 

Project: 02-01 

Title: Alternative Aircraft and Airfield Deicing and Anti-Icing Formulations with Reduced 

Aquatic Toxicity and Biological Oxygen Demand 

Objective: 

The objectives of this project are to (1) define the present state of the art of ADAF with respect 

to minimizing their aquatic toxicity and BOD5 ; (2) identify ADAF components causing aquatic 

toxicity and BOD5; (3) identify promising alternative ADAF formulations with reduced aquatic 

toxicity and BOD5 ; (4) evaluate the performance, efficiency, material compatibility, and 

environmental, operational, and safety impacts of these alternative ADAF formulations 

compared with current commercial products; and (5) describe the fate and transport of ADAF 

and their degradation products. The outcome of this research project will be a report informing 

stakeholders of the opportunities for alternative ADAF formulations with reduced aquatic 

toxicity and BOD5 . 

Start Date: 11/1/2006 End Date: 10/31/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $600,000 (FY 06) Contractor: University of South Carolina 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 02-02 

Title: Managing Runoff From Aircraft and Airfield Deicing and Anti-Icing Operations 

Objective: 

The objective of this project is to develop planning guidelines incorporating an array of BMPs 

for the practical, cost-effective control of runoff from aircraft and airfield deicing and anti-icing 

operations. These planning guidelines and BMPs will (1) be consistent with the laws and 

regulations for protecting water quality and ensuring flight safety; (2) provide practical technical 

guidance to airports and local, state, and Federal regulators; and (3) support the U.S. EPA's 

ongoing efforts to gain better information on how airports manage ADAF-affected stormwater 

runoff. 

Start Date: 10/9/2006 End Date: 11/8/2007 (est.) 

Budget: $265,000 (FY 06) Contractor: CH2M Hill 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 02-03 

Title: Aircraft and Airport-Related Hazardous Air Pollutants: Research Needs and Analysis 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to produce a prioritized agenda of research needs associated with 

aircraft and other airport-related sources of HAPs. These needs should include, but not be limited 

to, identifying the types of HAPs being emitted; their sources, detection and measurement; and 

possible health and other environmental impacts. 

Start Date: 12/19/2006 End Date: 12/18/2007 (est.) 

Budget: $100,000 (FY 06) Contractor: Aerodyne Research, Inc. 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 02-04 

Title: Research Needs Associated with Particulate Emissions at Airports 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to develop a prioritized agenda of research needs relating to 

airport sources of PM emissions. The agenda will be developed by (1) conducting a survey of 

airports regarding PM emissions issues and concerns and (2) identifying, reviewing, and 

evaluating past and current research relating to airport sources of PM emissions. 

Start Date: 12/1/2006 End Date: 2/1/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $99,897 (FY 06) Contractor: Environmental Consulting Group, Inc. 

Status: Research in Progress 

 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-8

Project: 02-04A 

Title: Summarizing and Interpreting Aircraft Gaseous and Particulate Emissions Data 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to summarize, analyze, and interpret the scientific data available 

from the Aircraft Particle Emissions Experiment (APEX) 1-3 and the Unnamed AirportUnnamed Airline (UNA-UNA) experiment. The results will be presented in a comprehensive 

report to help the airport community and general public understand the data's ability to contribute 

to developing better air quality assessments in the airport environment. 

Start Date: 4/12/2007 End Date: 4/11/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $349,470 (FY 07) Contractor: University of Missouri-Rolla 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 02-05 

Title: Guidebook on Community Responses to Aircraft Noise 

Objective: 

The objectives of this project are to (I) develop an informative guidebook about local aircraft 

noise to inform readers with a direct interest, involvement, or investment in airports; (2) develop 

a toolkit that airport decision makers can use to manage expectations related to aircraft noise 

within the community; (3) investigate alternative metrics to communicate noise issues to the 

community; and (4) suggest other improvements that go beyond current practice to ease aircraftnoise issues. For this project, the term "noise issues" involves the socioeconomic, political, 

operational, safety, environmental, and legal impacts of aircraft noise on an airport; the 

complaints about aircraft noise from neighbors; the effects that noise has on neighbors; and the 

communication between the airport and its neighbors. This research should identify the actual 

jurisdictional authority over various aspects of the aircraft-noise issue, and the obstacles to 

airport operations and development because of community perceptions of local aircraft noise. 

Start Date: 4/20/2007 End Date: 10/19/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $399,982 (FY 07) Contractor: Landrum & Brown 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 02-06 

Title: Guidebook on Preparing Airport Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventories 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to develop a guidebook that can be used to prepare airport 

source-specific inventories of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The guidebook shall provide 

methods to calculate airport GHG emissions inventories in a consistent manner and will provide 

information on considerations that should be taken into account when scoping and preparing 

such inventories. This guidebook should focus on the following six GHG emissions since they 

are widely recognized as relevant and quantifiable: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), 

nitrous oxide (N2O), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), hydrofluoro compounds (HFC), and 

perfluorocarbons (PFC). 

Start Date: 10/9/2007 End Date: 9/8/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $199,403 (FY 07) Contractor: Wyle Laboratories 

Status: Research in Progress 

 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-9

Project: 02-07 

Title: Handbook for Analyzing the Costs and Benefits of Alternative Turbine Engine Fuels at 

Airports 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to prepare a handbook that airport operators can use to evaluate 

the costs and benefits of providing a “drop-in” alternative turbine engine fuel at airports, taking 

into account that such fuel may also be used for other purposes (e.g., ground vehicles, 

generators). The cost and benefit analysis shall include, at a minimum: infrastructure changes, 

operational/maintenance impacts, and environmental factors. The handbook shall include 

templates and illustrative examples of cost and benefit analyses for different sizes of airports and 

types of fueling facilities. 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: $499,960 (FY 07) Contractor: CSSI, Inc. 

Status: Contract Pending 

 

Project: 02-08 

Title: Guidance for Quantifying the Contribution of Airport Emissions to Local Air Quality 

Objective: 

The objective of this research project is to provide guidance for airport operators on effective 

tools and techniques for measuring airport contributions to ambient air quality. The research will 

evaluate existing and potential monitoring strategies and forecasting techniques that airport 

operators can use to measure airport-related air quality impacts on local jurisdictions that may 

exceed what is traditionally measured and modeled for National Environmental Policy Act 

(NEPA) purposes. The evaluation process will require selection of a specific airport as a test case 

for application of a combination of air quality measurement and state-of-the-art modeling 

techniques and an evaluation of the results of that application. This research project will identify 

gaps in existing models and the inputs to those models, future research needed to fill those gaps 

to improve the predictive capabilities of available models, a set of detailed recommendations for 

implementing an optimal emissions monitoring and forecasting strategy, and guidance to airport 

operators on how to select and carry out that strategy. 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: $600,000 (FY 08) Contractor: 

Status: In Development 

 

Project: 02-09 

Title: Developing a Comprehensive Work Plan for a Multimodal Noise and Emissions Model 

Objective: 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: $200,000 (FY 08) Contractor: 

Status: In Development 

3. Planning 

Project: 03-01 

Title: Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) Deployment for Airport Obstructions Surveys 

Objective: 

The objectives of this research are (a) to describe requirements that must be met to use LIDAR 

data in aeronautical obstructions surveys and airport layout plan (ALP) elevation surveys; (b) to 

recommend procurement specifications and procedures that could be used by airports or other 

agencies for procuring and using LIDAR data; and (c) to describe the technical bases that could 

justify acceptance of LIDAR-based obstructions surveys by the NGS, FAA, airports, and 

airlines. 

Start Date: 12/8/2006 End Date: 1/29/2009 (est.) 

Budget: $350,000 (FY 06) Contractor: University of Mississippi 

Status: Research in Progress 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-10

 

Project: 03-02 

Title: U.S. Airport Passenger-Related Processing Rates 

Objective: 

The objectives of this research are to (1) compile a unified database on passenger-related 

processing rates in an electronic spreadsheet or database format that is useful to planners, 

designers, and other interested parties and (2) provide guidance on how best to collect passengerrelated processing point data. 

Start Date: 9/19/2006 End Date: 1/15/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $200,000 (FY 06) Contractor: HNTB 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 03-03 

Title: Enhancing Airport Land Use Compatibility 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to develop guidance to protect airports from incompatible land 

uses that impair current and future airport and aircraft operations and safety and constrain airport 

development. This research project does not address land uses within airport boundaries. For the 

purposes of this research, incompatible land uses are defined by criteria pertaining to aircraft 

noise exposure and to safety concerns including aircraft accidents; FAR Part 77 and TERPS 

height restrictions; FAA engine-out regulations; FAA airport design standards; wildlife 

attractants; and distractions such as smoke, lighting, glare, and electronic interference. 

Start Date: 9/19/2006 End Date: 1/15/2008 

Budget: $500,000 (FY 06) Contractor: Mead & Hunt, Inc. 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 03-04 

Title: Guidebook for Airport-User Survey Methodology 

Objective: The objective of this project is to develop a Guidebook for planning, designing, conducting, and 

analyzing airport user surveys. 

Start Date: 1/16/2007 End Date: 6/15/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $249,350 (FY 06) Contractor: Jacobs Consultancy 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 03-05 

Title: Passenger Space Allocation Guidelines for Planning and Design of Airport Terminals 

Project Data 

Objective: 

The objective of this project is to develop passenger space allocation guidelines for terminal 

functional areas. The guidelines are to be based on level-of-service (LOS) scales developed from 

data collected at a sample of 10 airports. The guidelines will be used by airport operators, 

planners, and consultants in making decisions on development of new terminals and renovation 

of existing facilities. 

Start Date: 6/28/2007 End Date: 9/28/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $399,928 (FY 07) Contractor: TransSolutions 

Status: Research in Progress 

 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-11

Project: 03-06 

Title: Guidebook for Planning and Implementing Automated People Mover Systems at Airports 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to prepare a comprehensive guidebook for planning and 

implementing APM systems at airports. The guidebook should include, as appropriate, a CDROM with interactive tools that will assist airports to plan and implement an APM system. The 

scope of this research includes APM systems that provide transportation on airport grounds as 

well as access to remote facilities (e.g., airport parking, car rental facilities, hotels, off-airport 

public transportation, and other related activity centers). 

Start Date: 6/12/2007 End Date: 6/11/2009 (est.) 

Budget: $395,341 (FY 07) Contractor: Lea & Elliott 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 03-07 

Title: A Guidebook for Measuring Performance of Automated People Mover Systems at Airports 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to develop a user-friendly guidebook for measuring performance 

of automated people mover (APM) systems at airports. The guidebook should identify a set of 

performance measures and associated data requirements for APM operators at airports to assess 

and improve performance, compare APM systems, and plan and design future APM systems. 

The performance measures should address the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of APM 

systems at airports, particularly focusing on impacts on APM passengers and on airport 

performance. 

Start Date: 6/13/2007 End Date: 7/12/2009 (est.) 

Budget: $300,000 (FY 07) Contractor: Lea & Elliot 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 3-08 

Title: Passenger Air Service Development Techniques 

Objective: 

The objective of this project is to develop a guide that describes techniques that airports and 

communities can employ in their efforts to develop passenger air service. The guide should 

include fundamental information to assist airports and the communities they serve to understand 

the nature of ASD within the general context of the airport, community, and airline business 

perspectives. 

Start Date: 6/21/2007 End Date: 12/20/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $300,000 (FY 07) Contractor: Inter VISTAS-ga2 Consulting 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 03-09 

Title: Guidebook for Strategic Planning in the Airport Industry 

Objective: 

The objective of this project is to prepare a practical guidebook for airport professionals, airport 

policy-making organizations, and industry associations that provides procedures, tools, and 

benefits of the strategic planning process. The guidebook should address the use of continuous 

strategic planning and consider relevant policy, management, and technical issues at airports, 

recognizing local, national, and global uncertainties. 

Start Date: 10/3/2007 End Date: 4/2/2009 (est.) 

Budget: $321,049 (FY 07) Contractor: Ricondo & Associates 

Status: Research in Progress 

 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-12

Project: 03-10 

Title: Innovative Approaches to Addressing Aviation Capacity Issues in Coastal Mega-Regions 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to develop integrated strategic actions to enhance decision 

making to address the constrained aviation system capacity and growing travel demand in the 

high-density, multijurisdictional, multimodal, coastal mega-regions along the east and west 

coasts. The research is intended to be used by transportation agencies and operators, as well as 

for informing public officials at the Federal, state, and local levels. 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: $300,000 (FY 07) Contractor: Resource Systems Group, Inc. 

Status: Contract Pending 

 

Project: 03-11 

Title: A Guidebook for the Preservation of Public-Use Airports 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to develop a guidebook that describes the reasons why publicuse airports close and identifies measures and strategies that can be taken to preserve public-use 

airports. An interactive tool will accompany the guidebook that allows a user to access 

information on specific circumstances pertaining to closures, preventive measures and strategies, 

and roles and responsibilities of parties that have a role in preventing the closure. This guidebook 

is intended to be used by State and local agencies, airport owners/operators, and advocacy groups 

in preserving public-use airports. 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: $600,000 (FY 08) Contractor: 

Status: In Development 

 

Project: 03-12 

Title: Guidebook for Preparing Peak-Period and Operational Profiles to Improve Airport 

Facility Planning and Environmental Analyses 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to prepare a guidebook enabling airport operators to define more 

effectively airport peak-period and operational profiles necessary for facility and environmental 

planning. This guidebook will include an analytical toolbox and associated application and 

implementation procedures. The analytical components of the toolbox will include a software 

program suitable for use by airport professionals in preparation of peak-period and operational 

forecasts used in facility and environmental planning. Procedures incorporated in the guidebook 

will make use of historical data and existing, available forecasts (including FAA TAFs, master 

plan forecasts, and related environmental study forecasts), building on current best practices to 

forecast future flight schedules. 

The guidebook will help airport facility managers and operators evaluate (a) capacity 

requirements and operational improvements (e.g., examine how common-use or preferential gate 

use can accommodate increased passenger demand); (b) implications of designing facilities to 

accommodate alternative peak periods (e.g., those occurring more or less frequently); and (c) 

specific facility requirements as a function of larger-scale control totals (e.g., annual passengers 

or aircraft operations). The guidebook and associated toolbox will enhance the ability of airport 

operators to address demand and operational constraints and enable users to create alternative 

growth and development scenarios by analyzing effects of potential change in aircraft, passenger, 

demographic, environmental and other relevant factors. 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: $350,000 (FY 08) Contractor: 

Status: In Development 

 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-13

Project: 03-13 

Title: Understanding Airspace, Objects, and Their Effects on Airports 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to develop a guidebook that defines and explains the various 

criteria used to identify objects that affect the airspace needed by an airport for its current and 

future operations, as well as the interrelationships between these criteria. The guidebook is 

intended to be used by airport operators, consultants, and surrounding communities in 

understanding the airport’s current and future airspace needs and how objects individually and 

collectively can affect the safety, utility, and efficiency of their airport. 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: $200,000 (FY 08) Contractor: 

Status: In Development 

 

Project: 03-14 

Title: Airport Passenger Conveyance System Usage/Throughput 

Objective: 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: $300,000 (FY 08) Contractor: 

Status: In Development 

4. Safety 

Project: 04-01 

Title: Aircraft Overrun and Undershoot Analysis for Runway Safety Areas 

Objective: The objective of this research is to compile and analyze historical data related to both overrun and 

undershoot occurrences to assist airport operators in evaluating runway safety areas. 

Start Date: 9/19/2006 End Date: 10/17/2007 

Budget: $249,986 (FY 06) Contractor: Applied Research Associates, Inc. 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 04-02 

Title: Lightning-Warning Systems for Use by Airports 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to recommend potential improvements to lightning-warning 

systems for use by airports. To accomplish this objective, it will be necessary to (1) characterize 

lightning detection and prediction technologies currently in use by airports and air carriers in the 

vicinity of airports; (2) evaluate the feasibility of improving operational lightning-warning 

capabilities (e.g., by integrating these technologies with other existing/developing operating 

weather-measuring systems); and (3) estimate the reduction in direct and indirect operating costs 

for airlines and airport operators that would result if the improved lightning-warning capability 

were implemented. 

Start Date: 11/7/2006 End Date: 11/7/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $199,937 (FY 07) Contractor: MDA Federal, Inc. 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 04-03 

Title: Guidebook for Approach Light System Hazard Assessment and Mitigation 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to develop a guidebook for airport operators on (1) performing a 

risk assessment of hazards associated with approach light systems and (2) determining measures 

that can be taken to mitigate the identified hazards. 

Start Date: 10/3/2007 End Date: 11/2/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $300,000 (FY 07) Contractor: Virginia Tech 

Status: Research in Progress 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-14

 

Project: 04-04 

Title: Exercising Command-Level Decision Making for Critical Incidents at Airports 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to create a tool for exercising command-level decision making 

for critical incidents at 14 CFR Part 139 airports. The tool will include methods to measure and 

evaluate actions and outcomes including compliance with nationally recognized standards and 

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 

requirements. 

 

The tool will be used to meet the training and exercise requirements of 14 CFR Part 139.325, 

Airport Emergency Plan, and will cover civil-aviation-specific scenarios for the nine hazardspecific sections identified in FAA Advisory Circular 150-5200/31 A, Airport Emergency Plan 

(September 30, 1999). The 10 functional sections, identified in AC150-5200/31 A, provide a 

good starting point for development of the tool; to reflect airport needs, however, the tool will 

allow an airport to readily customize training and exercises for their staffing and geographic 

areas. Finally, the tool will present training and exercise options and will track the progress of 

individual employees and teams in meeting training requirements. The tool must also be 

configured to protect airport information that is too sensitive to be publicly released. 

Start Date: 9/12/2007 End Date: 12/11/2009 (est.) 

Budget: $399,067 (FY 07) Contractor: Applied Research Associates 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 04-05 

Title: A Guidebook for Airport Safety Management Systems 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to create a guidebook for developing and implementing airport 

safety management systems (SMS). The guidebook must be applicable to all airports that have 

certificates issued under 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 139, Certification of 

Airports, and should consider variations in operations and complexities at these airports. 

Start Date: 5/24/2007 End Date: 9/23/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $300,000 (FY 07) Contractor: Applied Research Associates 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 04-06 

Title: Analysis and Best Management Practices for the Prevention of Wildlife Strikes at Small 

Airports 

Objective: 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: $300,000 (FY 08) Contractor: 

Status: In Development 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-15

5. Security 

Project: 05-01 

Title: Guidance for Developing Regionally Coordinated Airport Emergency Plans for CBRNE 

Events 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to provide guidance for developing regionally coordinated 

airport emergency plans for CBRNE events. 

The research will include an analysis and description of potential responses to various incident 

scenarios, including the roles of airport management and local authorities having jurisdiction. 

Analysis of scenarios should delineate relationships between airports and jurisdictions and the 

obstacles that may prevent communications or appropriate responses for protecting the health, 

security, safety, and welfare of potentially affected populations. A major product of this research 

will be a template for regionally coordinated airport emergency plans for CBRNE events. 

Start Date: 11/19/2007 End Date: 1/31/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $248,464 (FY 07) Contractor: System Planning Corporation 

Status: Research in Progress 

6. Human Resources 

Project: 06-01 

Title: Airport and Air Carrier Resource Manual: Employees Coping with Traumatic Events 

Objective: 

The objective of this project is to develop a resource manual of human-impact considerations and 

practices for airport and air carrier managers related to human-made accidents or attacks, or 

natural disaster events. The manual should rationalize the need for airport and air carrier 

preparedness, and should describe critical considerations and steps that can be taken to mitigate 

employee psychological trauma before, during, and after such distressing events. 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: $300,000 (FY 07) Contractor: University of North Dakota 

Status: Contract Pending 

7. Design 

Project: 07-01 

Title: New Concepts for Airport Terminal Landside Facilities 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to develop new concepts that will stimulate design innovation 

for terminal landside facilities at FAA-designated large- and medium-hub airports to improve 

passenger accessibility and level of service between ground transportation and the secure parts of 

the terminal. 

Start Date: 12/8/2006 End Date: 7/8/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $400,000 (FY 06) Contractor: Corgan Associates, Inc. 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 07-02 

Title: Airport Curbside and Terminal-Area Roadway Operations 

Objective: 

The objective of this project is to develop a guide to analyze the operation of the airport curbside 

and the terminal-area roadways, including the effects of direct access points (e.g., on-airport 

commercial parking, rental car operations, and hotels). 

Start Date: 11/15/2007 End Date: 7/9/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $400,000 (FY 06) Contractor: Jacobs Consultancy 

Status: Research in Progress 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-16

 

Project: 07-03 

Title: Developing Improved Civil Aircraft Arresting Systems 

Objective: 

The objective of this project is to advance the development of alternative civil aircraft arresting 

systems that safely decelerate an aircraft overrunning a runway. This research will (1) identify 

and evaluate the most promising alternatives to the existing FAA-approved system; (2) identify 

the steps that must be taken to have such promising alternatives approved for use at a civil airport 

in the United States, and identify barriers that may preclude manufacturers from making the 

alternative solutions commercially available; and (3) conduct a sensitivity analysis of the FAA’s 

design and performance parameters for civil aircraft arresting systems to show the effects on 

system design of varying one or more of the parameters (e.g., aircraft leaving the runway at 60 

knots rather than 70 knots). The product of this research project will be a report informing 

stakeholders of (1) alternatives to the current civil aircraft arresting system, (2) steps required to 

pursue approval of such systems, and (3) tradeoffs involved in changing current aircraft arresting 

system design and performance parameters. 

Start Date: 5/23/2007 End Date: 4/23/2009 (est.) 

Budget: $499,455 (FY 07) Contractor: Protection Engineering Consultants 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 07-04 

Title: Spreadsheet Models for Airport Terminal Planning and Design 

Objective: 

The objectives of this research are to (1) develop a user–friendly spreadsheet model (or models), 

with an accompanying manual, to analyze issues common to airport passenger terminal planning 

and design and (2) produce a compendium that identifies the types, scopes, and availability of 

spreadsheet and discrete event models that can be used by airport operators for airport passenger 

terminal planning and design. The prime users of this project’s products are intended to be 

employees of airport operators who are involved in terminal planning and design. 

Start Date: 6/6/2007 End Date: 12/5/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $400,000 (FY 07) Contractor: Landrum & Brown 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 07-05 

Title: Airport Passenger Terminal Planning Guidebook 

Objective: 

The objective of this project is to produce an Airport Passenger Terminal Planning Guidebook. 

The guidebook should include sections (a) describing the airport passenger terminal planning 

process and (b) identifying current and future issues, trends, impacts, and solutions in airport 

passenger terminal planning. 

Start Date: 6/28/2007 End Date: 2/28/2009 (est.) 

Budget: $400,000 (FY 07) Contractor: Landrum & Brown 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 07-06 

Title: Airport Signage and Wayfinding Information Guidelines 

Objective: 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: $250,000 (FY 08) Contractor: 

Status: In Development 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-17

8. Construction 

There are no construction-related projects at this time. 

9. Maintenance 

Project: 09-01 

Title: Guidelines for the Collection and Use of Geospatially Referenced Data for Airfield 

Pavement Management 

Objective: The objective of this research is to develop guidelines for the collection and use of geospatially 

referenced pavement-related data for the management of airfield pavements. 

Start Date: 11/6/2006 End Date: 4/5/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $149,998 (FY 06) Contractor: Applied Research Associates, Inc. 

Status: Research in Progress 

10. Operations 

Project: 10-01 

Title: Optimizing the Use of Aircraft Deicing and Anti-Icing Fluids 

Objective: 

The objective of this project is to identify procedures and technologies that optimize the use of 

aircraft deicing and anti-icing fluids, thus reducing their environmental impact while assuring 

safe aircraft operations in deicing and anti-icing conditions. The project will produce (1) a 

description of the application of currently available procedures and technologies to optimize 

ADAF use, (2) the results of an experiment to validate the effectiveness of promising procedures 

and technologies, (3) a plan for implementation of these promising procedures and technologies, 

and (4) recommendations for further study. 

Start Date: 3/20/2007 End Date: 1/18/2009 (est.) 

Budget: $288,792 (FY 06) Contractor: APS Aviation, Inc. 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 10-02 

Title: Planning Guide for Offsite Terminals 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to provide a guide for airport operators and others to use in 

planning offsite terminals. The research shall address topics such as warrants for offsite terminals 

and factors that influence their success; cover the range of services provided; and identify 

potential stakeholders and partners. 

Start Date: 12/18/2006 End Date: 12/17/2007 (est.) 

Budget: $350,000 (FY 06) Contractor: MarketSense 

Status: Research in Progress 

 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-18

Project: 10-03 

Title: Evaluating Airport Parking Strategies and Supporting Technologies 

Objective: 

The objective of this project is to develop a guidebook that airport operators can use to compare 

and contrast various parking strategies and supporting technologies and then evaluate each for 

application to individual airport situations and demographics. The guidebook will describe 

airport-parking strategies, categorize each strategy, offer methods to evaluate each strategy, 

match existing and emerging technologies that support each strategy, and provide guidance on 

how to implement each strategy and its supporting technology. 

 

For the purpose of this project, the term “parking strategies” includes, but is not limited to, 

techniques for control of parking revenue, value-added services, safety and security features, 

operational efficiencies, traffic flow, capacity management, and facility balance. Many of these 

strategies can be enhanced through the application of technology. Examples include (a) “pay-onfoot” advance payment, (b) credit card in/out automated lot operation, (c) license plate 

recognition, (d) way-finding or single-space parking guidance, and (e) automated vehicle 

identification. 

Start Date: 9/14/2007 End Date: 11/13/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $300,000 (FY 07) Contractor: Jacobs Consultancy 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 10-04 

Title: Airports and the Newest Generation of General Aviation Aircraft 

Objective: 

The objectives of this project are to (1) forecast GA aircraft activity by category of airport and 

geographical location due to the introduction of the newest generation of GA aircraft and (2) 

develop a user-friendly guidebook that will help airport operators to (a) estimate the level of 

activity from these aircraft at their particular airport; (b) assess the impact of these aircraft on 

their particular airport’s infrastructure, facilities, and services; (c) accommodate existing and 

anticipated demand for facilities and services from these aircraft; and (d) attract new business 

from the newest generation of GA aircraft. 

 

For the purposes of this project, the newest generation of GA aircraft refers to small-sized 

(12,500 lbs or less) aircraft with high-technology “all glass” digital cockpits, including VLJs; 

micro jets; and the newest piston and turbo-prop aircraft. 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: $496,390 (FY 07) Contractor: GRA, Inc. 

Status: Contract Pending 

 

Project: 10-05 

Title: Understanding Common-Use Approaches at Airports 

Objective: 

The objective of this research is to develop a reference guide for airports, airlines, and other 

stakeholders to identify and understand the financial, operational, liability, safety, customer 

service, and competitive elements of a common-use approach to the utilization of airport 

facilities and the provision of services. The guide should provide detailed analyses and 

information enabling individual airports and airlines to evaluate the feasibility and applicability 

of implementing a common-use approach. It should also provide common practices for 

evaluating, implementing, operating, and maintaining common-use facilities and services. 

 

Note: For purposes of this project, the term common-use approach shall refer to non-exclusive 

facilities available to more than one tenant and certain airport-provided services to tenants. 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: $500,000 (FY 08) Contractor: 

Status: In Development 

 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-19

Project: 10-06 

Title: Effects of Constrained Public and Employee Parking on Airport Access 

Objective: 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: $400,000 (FY 08) Contractor: 

Status: In Development 

11-01. Legal Studies 

Project: 11-01 / Topic 01-01 

Title: Compilation of Digest-Parts 13 and 16 Determinations and Related Documents, Including 

FAA Chief Counsel and DOT General Counsel Opinions Related to Airports 

Objective: 

The objective of this project is to make Parts 13 and 16 determinations and related documents, 

including FAA Chief Counsel and DOT General Counsel’s Opinions related to airports, readily 

and inexpensively available to airport attorneys, the public, and other researchers. Ideally, the 

product of this research, if all phases are implemented, would be a web-based searchable 

database containing the full text of each document as well as a short summary of the outcome. 

The database should allow allows searches by topic, date, author (where applicable), type of 

proceeding, FAA region, and by individual word or words (i.e., Boolean searches). FAA airport 

compliance staff and attorneys will also benefit from the searchable data base as they assist 

airports and users with informal resolutions, evaluate complaints and prepare decisions. 

Start Date: 12/11/2006 End Date: 5/1/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $83,000 (FY 06) Contractor: Spiegel & McDiarmid 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 11-01 / Topic 01-02 

Title: Theory and Law of Airport Revenue Diversion 

Objective: 

This project would synthesize the available legal theory, statutes, policy guidance, analysis, and 

case decisions pertaining to airport revenue diversions into a single report. This report should 

provide examples of the types and actual experiences of revenue diversion. The goal is to 

produce a comprehensible Legal Research Digest Report of approximately 100-125 typewritten 

double-spaced pages with relevant precedent and guidance concentrated in one source. 

Start Date: 1/18/2007 End Date: 5/1/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $35,000 (FY 06) Contractor: Paul Dempsey 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 11-01 / Topic 01-03 

Title: Compilation/List of Airport Law Resources 

Objective: 

The objective of this project is to develop a list or an index of legally related topics, substantive 

areas, and/or issues that airport attorneys encounter and to develop an index and a bibliography 

of sources that airport lawyers may consult for purposes of research or for purposes of keeping 

informed of developments in airport-related legal issues. These sources may be web-based or in 

print; they may be published as part of a series (such as a newsletter or law review) or in single 

issues (such as a book). 

Start Date: 1/3/2007 End Date: 2/1/2007 (est.) 

Budget: $15,000 (FY 06) Contractor: Kaplan, Kirsch & Rockwell 

Status: Research in Progress 

 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-20

Project: 11-01 / Topic 01-04 

Title: Survey of Airport Laws and Regulation of Commercial Ground Transportation 

Objective: 

This project would synthesize available guidance, including regulations, statutes, policies, and 

case decisions (administrative or court) pertaining to commercial ground transportation. Ideally, 

the product of this effort should produce a listing of Federal, state, and local commercial ground 

transportation rules with extensive examples of each. Each type of guidance would also include a 

summary of litigation. 

Start Date: 4/2/2007 End Date: 4/2/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $26,000 (FY 06) Contractor: Smith Amundsen 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 11-01 / Topic 01-05 

Title: Responsibilities for Implementation and Enforcement of Airport Land-Use Zoning 

Restrictions 

Objective: 

This project should synthesize all available Federal, state, regional, and local laws, 

administrative agency determinations, court decisions and regulations pertaining to aviation landuse and zoning, and identify the primary responsibilities of each relevant legal body and how this 

responsibility is communicated and enforced. The project should include an assessment of 

compatibility and non-compatibility between the laws and regulations and illustrate how 

conflicts have been resolved historically. The goal is to produce a comprehensive Legal 

Research Digest Report with relevant precedent and guidance concentrated in one source. 

Start Date: 6/1/2007 End Date: 7/1/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $39,860 (FY 07) Contractor: William V. Cheek & Associates 

Status: In Development 

 

Project: 11-01 / Topic 01-06 

Title: Who is the Owner or Operator for Purposes of the Rights to Self-Fuel? 

Objective: 

Aviation, government, environmental, and other interested attorneys; legislative and 

administrative personnel; airport developers; aviation managers; and researchers have need of a 

thorough understanding of the meaning of and constraints involved with self-fueling and to 

distinguish this concept from commercial self service fueling. A primer is needed that will 

contain basic coverage of the subject, including appropriate regulations, and offer model 

definitions and provisions obtained either from existing airport rules and regulations or 

developed anew. 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: (FY 07) Contractor: 

Status: In Development 

 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-21

Project: 11-01 / Topic 01-07 

Title: The Impact of airlines Bankruptcies on Airports 

Objective: 

There is a need for an information source that synthesizes the available legal theory, statutes, 

analysis, and case decisions pertaining to the impact of airline bankruptcies on airports; includes 

in one place those sections of the Bankruptcy Code that apply to airport claims; summarizes the 

bankruptcy process for airport attorneys, paying particular attention to those sections of the 

bankruptcy code that apply only to airports; references reported judicial decisions in airline 

bankruptcies; and summarizes any recent articles in law reviews or similar publication that 

describe problems and issues that have arisen in airline bankruptcies. The project should 

describe how the airport claims listed below are 1) treated under the bankruptcy code and 2) have 

been dealt with in recent airline bankruptcies: 

- Pre-petition and post-petition amounts owed by airlines for terminal rental fees, landing fees, 

fees for the rental of other airport facilities, and other amounts owed to airports by airlines; 

- Passenger facility charges, including issues raised by FAA regulations created and/or proposed 

to protect passenger facility charge revenues; 

- Acceptance or Rejection (by the debtor) of leases for real property and improvements at 

airports. 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: (FY 07) Contractor: 

Status: In Development 

 

Project: 11-01 / Topic 01-08 

Title: The Law and Regulations of Airport Ownership 

Objective: 

This project should define what airport governance includes, identify and analyze a number of 

projects where airports were transferred from one form of governance to another, and determine 

the legal problems encountered during these transfers. These transactions should include a 

variety of governance structure (Authority, Independent Commission, leases, management and 

operation contracts, etc.). The study should also include a review and analysis of State airport 

enabling laws. One result of this analysis would be a compendium of anticipated legal issues for 

those considering or embarking on changing their governance structure and the way in which 

those legal issues have been resolved. All Federal, State and local legislation and regulations 

that affect the transfer of airports should be identified. The goal is to produce a comprehensive 

Legal Research Digest Report with relevant precedent and legal guidance. 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: (FY 07) Contractor: 

Status: In Development 

 

Project: 11-01 / Topic 01-09 

Title: Survey of the Elements of Disparity Studies for Airport Disadvantaged Business Enterprise 

Programs 

Objective: 

The goal of this project is to provide airports with a clear understanding of the current 

requirements needed to conduct a valid and legally defensible disparity/availability study and to 

develop elements of successful disparity/availability studies that can be used in the future. 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: (FY 07) Contractor: 

Status: In Development 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-22

Project: 11-01 / Topic 02-01 

Title: 

Obstructions Affecting Navigable Airspace / The Implications of not Declaring Structures 

to be Hazardous Obstructions Affecting Navigable Airspace/ 

TERPS 

Objective: 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: (FY 08) Contractor: 

Status: In Development 

 

Project: 11-01 / Topic 02-02 

Title: Use and Success of Avigation Easements and Other Tools for Airport Compatible Land 

Use and Development of Model Language 

Objective: 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: (FY 08) Contractor: 

Status: In Development 

 

Project: 11-01 / Topic 02-03 

Title: Case Studies on Community Challenges to Airport Development 

Objective: 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: (FY 08) Contractor: 

Status: In Development 

 

Project: 11-01 / Topic 02-04 

Title: Analysis of Federal Laws, Regulations and Case Law Regarding Airport Proprietary 

Rights 

Objective: 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: (FY 08) Contractor: 

Status: In Development 

11-02. Quick-Response Projects 

Project: 11-02 / Task 03 

Title: Improving Stabilization and Use of Aircraft Evacuation Slides at Airports 

Objective: 

This research will identify challenges associated with the use of slides at airports, focusing on 

causes of injury rates and ways to reduce those rates. A comprehensive report is to be prepared 

that will include: (1) literature review of known incidents where aircraft evacuations via the 

slides occurred and identified causes of known injuries One study to include in this review is the 

NTSB Safety Study 001 published in 2000., (2) survey/interview of airport operators and 

emergency responders involved in those incidents, slide manufacturers and aircraft 

manufacturers, as appropriate, (3) Review of tools relative to aircraft slide evacuations available 

to first responders, specifically those tools available through the FAA Technical Center (4) 

Recommended guidance for airport operators & emergency personnel on preparing for aircraft 

slide evacuations that will include best practices for minimizing injury rates. 

Start Date: 10/9/2006 End Date: 1/1/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $100,000 (FY 06) Contractor: George Washington University 

Status: Research in Progress 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-23

 

Project: 11-02 / Task 05 

Title: Quarantine Facilities for Arriving Air Travelers: Identification of Planning Needs and 

Costs 

Objective: 

The objective of this task is to develop a set of criteria and guidance for use by airport operators 

in identifying potential quarantine facilities on or off the airport and for continuity of airport 

operations. The guidance will be developed in consideration of and based on evaluation of 

requirements and constraints, including such factors as: (a) physical needs of individuals to be 

quarantined (e.g. beds, sanitation, security, food); (b) non-airport resources available to provide 

basic necessities (e.g. Red Cross); (c) structural requirements for such facilities (square footage, 

climate control, plumbing, etc.); (d) transportation from aircraft to facility; (e) potential existing 

facilities at airports or in community, including those identified in other plans (e.g. hurricane 

shelters, family assistance sites, etc.); (f) potential for multiple use for new facilities; (g) 

operational and financial impacts of identifying on-airport facilities; and (h) planning guidelines 

for expected maximum number of individuals to be quarantined. 

Start Date: 3/28/2007 End Date: 11/3/2007 (est.) 

Budget: $100,000 (FY 07) Contractor: System Planning Corporation 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 11-02 / Task 07 

Title: Strategic Process for Developing ACRP Research Problem Statements 

Objective: 

This task will develop and implement a process that the ACRP Governing Board can use to 

identify strategic research areas for use with the FY 2009 ACRP problem statement solicitation 

process. 

Start Date: 8/1/2007 End Date: 1/30/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $100,000 (FY 08) Contractor: TRB Staff 

Status: Work is in progress 

 

Project: 11-02 / Task 08 

Title: Enhanced Modeling of Aircraft Taxiway Noise--Scoping 

Objective: This task will indentify the specifications required to update existing aviation noise models to 

accommodate taxiway noise. 

Start Date: End Date: 

Budget: $100,000 (FY 08) Contractor: 

Status: In development 

 

Project: 11-02 / Task 10 

Title: Estimate of National Use of Aircraft and Airfield Deicing Materials 

Objective: This task will develop a national estimate of the amount of aircraft and airfield deicing materials 

used. 

Start Date: 10/16/2007 End Date: 4/15/2008 

Budget: $100,000 (FY 08) Contractor: CH2M Hill 

Status: Work is in progress 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) A-24

11-03. Synthesis Studies 

Project: 11-03 / S04-02 

Title: Preventing Vehicle/Aircraft Incidents During Winter Operations 

Objective: 

The objective of this synthesis is to identify existing procedures, training, and systems that 

airport operators use to reduce the risk of vehicle/aircraft incidents during winter operations. 

The synthesis should address airports with operating airport traffic control towers (ATCTs), as 

well as airports that do not have an ATCT or only have a part time ATCT. The synthesis is also 

intended to take into account airports that may have a fleet of several winter operations vehicles 

to those airports that may have only one or two such vehicles. 

Start Date: 6/1/2007 End Date: 6/1/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $100,000 (FY 07) Contractor: Bowling Green State University 

Status: Research in Progress 

 

Project: 11-03 / S09-01 

Title: Effective Rubber Removal Techniques to Minimize Damage on Grooved Runways 

Objective: 

Guidance is needed to consolidate the many practices of rubber removal methods and equipment 

in use throughout the country in order to establish sets of best practices. This report will 

synthesize grooved runway rubber removal practices at North American airports and all 

techniques used to minimize damage. Any patterns of damage that could be attributed to rubber 

removal will also be synthesized. 

Start Date: 6/1/2007 End Date: 6/1/2008 (est.) 

Budget: $100,000 (FY 07) Contractor: University of Oklahoma 

Status: Research in Progress 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) B-1

Appendix B – ACRP Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) 

MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT ON OPERATING 

PROCEDURES FOR AN AIRPORT COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM 

I. INTRODUCTION 

The Vision 100-Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (Vision 100), enacted in December 

2003, authorized, in Section 712, establishment of a 4-year pilot Airport Cooperative 

Research Program (ACRP). 

Vision 100 calls for the ACRP to carry out applied research on problems “... that are shared 

by airport operating agencies and ... are not being adequately addressed by existing Federal 

research programs....” The mission of the ACRP is to produce research results that will be 

used to improve the planning, design, and operation of airports in the United States. Specific 

research projects will be selected by a board composed of airport managers and others 

committed to the success of the Nation’s airport system. ACRP studies will be managed by 

the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences using procedures 

designed to ensure that the research is objective and productive. 

Airports are vital national resources. There are approximately 500 commercial-service 

airports and 2,800 smaller general aviation airports that make up the national airport system. 

These airports operate in a complex environment with many and often competing 

requirements and expectations. To succeed in this environment, airport operators need 

access to good information and technical guidance based on sound research. 

Over the past decade, there has been growing recognition of the need for a mechanism for 

airports to pool their ideas and resources to develop and disseminate practical solutions to 

shared problems by creating an airport cooperative research program, modeled partly on 

existing cooperative research programs for highways and transit. The Airports Council 

International–North America (ACI-NA), the National Association of State Aviation Officials 

(NASAO), and the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) have expressed 

support for the ACRP. In 2000 legislation (Public Law 106-181) reauthorizing the Federal 

Aviation Administration (FAA), Congress requested a formal study of the concept by the 

U.S. Department of Transportation. The study request (in Section 906 of the Act) reads as 

follows: 

The Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary), in consultation with the National 

Academy of Sciences and representatives of airports, shall evaluate the applicability of 

the techniques used to fund and administer research under the National Cooperative 

Highway Research Program and the ...Transit (Cooperative) Research Program to the 

research needs of airports. The Secretary shall transmit to Congress a report on the 

results of the evaluation conducted under this section. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) B-2

In response, FAA contracted with the Transportation Research Board (TRB), under the 

auspices of the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academy of Sciences 

(NAS), to conduct the study. 

Following established NRC procedures, TRB assembled a committee with a range of 

expertise and a balance of perspectives on issues related to the study topic; the committee 

met three times, and in June 2003, the committee’s findings were published in TRB Special 

Report 272: Airport Research Needs: Cooperative Solutions. The committee concluded that 

such cooperative research is essential for ensuring airport security, efficiency, safety, and 

environmental compatibility and urged Congress to establish a national airport cooperative 

research program (ACRP). 

Following enactment of Vision 100, the Secretary wishes to enter into an agreement with 

NAS to manage the ACRP, under the direction of an independent board, to be appointed by 

the Secretary as provided herein. This Memorandum of Agreement establishes operating 

procedures for the ACRP and delineates the roles of the cooperating organizations. 

II. ORGANIZATION 

This Memorandum of Agreement provides a conceptual framework for the establishment 

and conduct of the ACRP as approved by the cooperating organizations. 

1. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. Section 44511, the ACRP shall be governed by an 

independent board charged with recommending airport research, development, and 

technology transfer activities to be carried out by NAS in accordance with the terms 

and conditions of grants or cooperative agreements awarded by FAA. 

2. The cooperating organizations participating in this Agreement to establish and 

administer the ACRP are: (a) the FAA of the United States Department of 

Transportation, hereinafter referred to as “FAA”; and (b) the National Academy of 

Sciences, hereinafter referred to as “NAS” acting through its Transportation 

Research Board, hereinafter referred to as “TRB.” TRB is a major operating unit of 

NAS and is not a separate legal entity. 

III. DIRECTION 

The participating parties agree that the Secretary will appoint an independent governing 

board, to be designated the ACRP Oversight Committee (AOC). The membership of AOC 

shall be consistent with the composition of the governing board specified in the legislation 

authorizing the ACRP, and the initial board members (“members”) shall be appointed by the 

Secretary, in consultation with TRB and national associations representing the airport 

industry. 

AOC shall operate as follows: 

1. The AOC shall be responsible for: (a) reviewing the research needs that are 

solicited by TRB from airport operators, industry associations, FAA, and other 

interested entities; (b) evaluating and selecting research topics; (c) setting project 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) B-3

priorities and recommending funding levels; and (d) evaluating program 

effectiveness. The AOC shall be supported in these efforts by NAS, through the 

staff of TRB providing administrative support to AOC, with the responsibilities 

enumerated below in Paragraph IV.2. 

2. The AOC shall be led by a Chair, selected by a majority of the voting members, and 

shall meet at the call of the Chair, but not less than one time per year. The voting 

members shall also select, by majority vote, a Vice Chair who shall assume the 

duties of the Chair if the Chair is unavailable. 

3. The AOC shall have the responsibility for determining the technical objectives of 

all ACRP projects. 

4. The NAS will have legal, financial, and technical responsibility for the award and 

administration of research contracts to achieve project objectives, subject to 

Paragraph III.6 below and the terms of this Agreement. 

5. The AOC will carry out the following functions: 

a. Determine if the proposed topics (resulting from the TRB solicitation of 

research needs) represent important research needs in the airport field; 

b. Determine, on the basis of evaluation provided by NAS, acting through TRB 

and other information sources, whether the proposed research topic does or 

does not, to its knowledge, duplicate any similar effort undertaken currently 

or previously in which the results were considered adequate and sufficiently 

conclusive; and 

c. Formulate an annual program with recommended project funding consisting 

of new projects and, when appropriate, continuation of projects established in 

prior fiscal year programs. In formulating the annual program, AOC may 

form and utilize such subcommittees as it deems appropriate. Membership 

on such subcommittees is not limited to AOC members. 

6. The annual program of the ACRP will be adopted after a vote by AOC and 

transmitted to FAA and NAS. NAS reserves the right to object to any proposed 

research determined to be inappropriate for conduct by NAS. NAS will explain its 

reason for objecting in writing to AOC. In addition, NAS may petition the 

Secretary in writing to reconsider the appropriateness of any proposed research. 

Subcommittee decisions are subject to acceptance by AOC. 

7. The AOC is responsible for monitoring the progress of the ACRP and 

recommending to FAA and TRB any corrective action that it may deem necessary 

and appropriate. 

8. The AOC shall be governed by the following rules: 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) B-4

a. The AOC shall initially be composed of thirteen (13) voting members and 

shall include seven (7) members who are chief executive officers, managers, 

or members of the governing boards of airports (3 from large hubs, 2 from 

medium-size hubs, and 2 from small hubs, non-hubs, or general aviation 

airports); five (5) members who are officers or officials of universities, or 

private entities that are air carriers, shippers, suppliers, researchers, or 

consultants engaged in providing airport equipment or services; and the 

Administrator of the FAA or his/her designee. Any such entity shall have no 

more than one member on AOC. The size of AOC may be adjusted at the 

discretion of the Secretary. 

b. Upon the request of the Secretary, the following individuals shall serve as 

“ex-officio,” non-voting, members of AOC: 

i. The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency 

(EPA) or his/her designee. 

ii. The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration (NASA) or his/her designee. 

iii. The chief executive of the Airports Council International–North 

America (ACI-NA) or his/her designee. 

iv. The chief executive of the American Association of Airport 

Executives (AAAE) or his/her designee. 

v. The chief executive of the National Association of State Aviation 

Officials (NASAO) or his/her designee. 

vi. The chief executive of the Air Transport Association (ATA) or 

his/her designee. 

vii. The Executive Director of the Transportation Research Board or 

his/her designee. 

c. Excluding the Administrator of FAA or his/her designee, voting members of 

AOC shall be appointed for a period of 4 years, and may serve for two 

successive full 4-year terms. To provide for staggered representation on 

AOC, certain of the initial members of AOC shall be appointed for an initial 

2-year term. 

d. Members to fill expired terms shall be appointed by the Secretary. Any 

voting members having served two successive full 4-year terms shall be 

ineligible for reappointment to AOC for a period of 4 years. 

e. Members may voluntarily withdraw from AOC during their term by 

notification in writing to the Chair. Any member whose employment 

changes during his/her term in such a way that he/she no longer represents an 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) B-5

organization qualified to be represented on AOC, shall be considered to have 

voluntarily withdrawn. If an individual leaves AOC prior to the completion 

of his or her term of office, his or her replacement will be appointed to 

complete the term of office and may be chosen from an organization different 

from that of the replaced Member. 

f. Unless otherwise provided by statute, any member of AOC may be removed, 

either with or without cause, and a successor appointed, by the Secretary. 

g. The AOC shall meet at the call of the Chair, not less than one time per year. 

The Chair may call such additional meetings as it deems necessary and 

appropriate, and shall provide members of AOC at least 14 days prior notice 

of such meeting (which notice may be waived by a member). 

h. The presence of 50 percent of the total number of members of AOC entitled 

to vote shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum for the 

transaction of any business at any duly called meeting. Members may 

participate in AOC meetings by teleconference provided each member can 

hear all other members. 

i. In the absence of a quorum at any meeting of AOC, the members present and 

entitled to vote thereat may adjourn the meeting without further notice until a 

quorum is present. At any such adjourned meeting at which a quorum is 

present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at 

the meeting as originally called, if a quorum had been present. 

j. The affirmative vote of a majority of the members of AOC present and 

entitled to vote at a meeting shall be necessary and sufficient to decide such 

question or matter. With the exception of those individuals serving as “exofficio” non-voting members of AOC, each member present at meetings shall 

have one vote. Voting shall be either by voice vote or by written ballot at the 

discretion of the Chair. Proxy votes shall not be permitted. 

k. Any action to be taken at a meeting of AOC may be taken without a meeting 

if, prior to such action, a consent in writing, setting forth the action taken, 

shall be signed by all of the members of AOC, and such written consent is 

filed with the minutes of the proceedings of AOC with the Chair. 

l. The AOC shall have the following powers and duties: 

i. To approve the annual budget and financial statements of the ACRP. 

ii. To prioritize research needs and approve funding for the selected 

research proposals. 

iii. To adopt general policies and procedures governing the operations of 

AOC. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) B-6

m. No member of AOC may receive compensation for serving in such office but 

may be reimbursed reasonable and necessary expenses in connection with 

carrying out the business of AOC. 

n. To the extent commercially available, NAS shall purchase and maintain a 

separate insurance policy on behalf of members of AOC intended to cover 

liability asserted against him/her and arising out of his/her status as a member 

of AOC. NAS shall disclose the general terms of any such insurance to AOC 

members, or if such insurance is not commercially available, shall so inform 

AOC members. Any funds received by NAS pursuant to such insurance 

shall be promptly provided to the appropriate AOC member pursuant to the 

terms and conditions of such insurance. 

IV. MANAGEMENT 

The FAA will work cooperatively with AOC, NAS, and others as may be appropriate in the 

management of the ACRP. This cooperative effort is designed to ensure the effectiveness 

and success of the overall ACRP process and is consistent with sound fiscal and resource 

management. 

1. The FAA’s responsibilities will include the following activities: 

a. Participating with AOC in developing the ACRP annual program; 

b. When practicable, selecting and assigning FAA staff personnel to serve on 

project panels; 

c. Supporting periodic program reviews; 

d. Participating in planning, developing, and conducting conferences, workshops, 

seminars, and other technical meetings associated with ACRP activities; and 

e. Working closely with NAS, through TRB and industry associations, to ensure 

dissemination, distribution, marketing, and promotion of the results of ACRP 

studies, with an emphasis on timely deployment and mainstreaming of products 

and practices resulting from the ACRP. 

2. The TRB will provide administrative support for AOC. The TRB’s responsibilities will 

include the following activities to be carried out in consultation with the Chair of the 

AOC. 

a. Issuing announcements to solicit research needs statements for consideration by 

the ACRP; 

b. Conducting preliminary evaluation of proposed research needs statements to 

determine whether the proposed research duplicates previous or ongoing studies; 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) B-7

c. Making preliminary estimates of the cost of conducting each proposed research 

topic; 

d. Providing necessary staff support; 

e. Distributing material necessary for AOC’s prioritization of research for the 

ACRP; 

f. Recording AOC meeting decisions on matters related to the ACRP; 

g. Scheduling meetings and preparing and distributing agendas for AOC meetings; 

h. Preparing and distributing minutes following AOC meetings; 

i. Keeping records related to ACRP activities; and 

j. Rendering to AOC and FAA quarterly reports on the progress and financial 

status of the ACRP. 

3. The NAS is the responsible body for technical review and acceptance of research 

projects that are referred by AOC to NAS for acceptance and action. 

4. Following approval by AOC and acceptance by NAS, NAS shall administer, conduct, 

and monitor, as appropriate, individual research projects. 

5. Administration of ACRP activities shall be the responsibility of NAS, acting through the 

TRB Executive Director. 

6. The NAS shall be responsible for the operational management of the ACRP, and shall 

enter into contracts necessary to obtain technical and administrative services in support 

of the ACRP. 

7. The NAS will prepare annual ACRP progress reports that will be distributed to AOC 

and FAA. 

8. The NAS shall cooperate with and fully use the skills and experience, as appropriate, of 

organizations represented on AOC and other potential users of the research. 

9. The NAS shall select and be responsible for the management of program staff, subject to 

the general policies of NAS and specific policies of the TRB Executive Director. 

10. The NAS shall administer ACRP project panels to bring experience, expertise, and 

counsel from government, university, industry, and other sources to the ACRP. 

11. Project panels, with the support of NAS staff, will be responsible for the following. 

a. Developing plans for the attainment of problem objectives, including an estimate 

of the total cost and time to achieve the objectives; 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) B-8

b. Drafting definitive statements of scope and objectives for projects; 

c. Reviewing proposals submitted by research agencies and making decisions 

regarding selection of research agencies; 

d. Reviewing the progress of research; 

e. Providing counsel and advice to researchers regarding technical aspects of 

projects; 

f. Reviewing and evaluating project reports as to the accomplishment of objectives 

and suitability for publication; and 

g. Cooperating with AOC and FAA in decisions regarding the continuation of 

projects included in prior fiscal year programs. 

12. The TRB will furnish periodic financial information to the NAS, AOC, and FAA on the 

progress of the ACRP. 

V. FUNDING 

Participation in and financing of the ACRP shall be in accordance with the following. 

1. The FAA will provide funding in support of this Agreement through execution of 

agreements or modifications thereto with NAS. In no event is FAA obligated for any 

amount above these funding commitments, whether to NAS (including TRB) or to any 

contractors, grant or cooperative agreement recipients, or employees of the NAS. 

2. The FAA will annually notify NAS of the funds available for continuing the ACRP in 

accordance with 49 U.S.C. Section 44511 and paragraph 1 above. 

3. The NAS may, with prior concurrence of AOC, enter into agreements with other entities 

to cooperatively fund specific ACRP projects. 

4. The NAS will submit annual applications to FAA for funding of the ACRP to include its 

estimate of costs for administration of the ACRP, including program formulation costs, 

costs of publications, information dissemination, and funds available for research 

projects. Total costs for the ACRP as submitted will not exceed the total funds made 

available by FAA and other ACRP contributors for any fiscal year. Funds in the NAS 

account for the ACRP shall roll over to the next fiscal year. 

5. The NAS shall be reimbursed for the allowable direct and indirect costs of administering 

the ACRP in accordance with the provisions of Office of Management and Budget 

Circular A-122 or grants or cooperative agreements awarded by FAA, and shall obtain 

advance payment of such costs through a letter of credit or other payment mechanism to 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) B-9

be coordinated with FAA. Indirect rates shall be reimbursed in accordance with the 

annual rate negotiation agreement entered into with the Office of Naval Research. 

6. To the extent consistent with grants or cooperative agreements awarded by FAA, NAS 

will provide auditing, contracting, accounting, personnel, and legal support in 

connection with the ACRP. The ACRP also shall have reasonable access to other 

standard services of NAS, such as library and archives and committee membership files. 

7. The ACRP shall be subject to normal NAS overhead and general and administrative 

expenses consistent with NAS’s established cost accounting practices. 

8. It is anticipated that 75 percent of the funds provided by FAA to the ACRP shall be 

directly expended to fund research. 

9. Members of AOC traveling to AOC meetings shall be reimbursed by NAS using ACRP 

administrative funds, pursuant to Federal Travel Regulations to the extent consistent 

with grants or cooperative agreements awarded by FAA. 

10. Except as provided herein or as approved in writing by FAA, no FAA funds shall be 

used to indemnify any member or representative of AOC for payment arising under or 

resulting from any claim or suit, action, or proceeding of any kind whatsoever. This 

restriction does not preclude the FAA from providing funds to purchase appropriate 

liability insurance which shall be an allowable direct expense under this Agreement. 

VI. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 

1. Rights in Data 

The FAA retains Government Purpose Rights in all data developed under this agreement 

with FAA funds. 

“Data” means recorded information, regardless of form or method of recording, which 

includes but is not limited to, technical data, computer software, trade secrets, and mask 

works. The term does not include financial, administrative, cost, pricing, or 

management information. 

“Government Purpose Rights” means the rights to: 

a. Use, modify, reproduce, release, perform, display, or disclose data within the 

Government without restriction; and 

b. Release or disclose technical data outside the Government and authorize persons 

to whom release or disclosure has been made to use, modify, reproduce, release, 

perform, display, or disclose those data for Government purposes. 

“Government Purpose” means any activity in which the United States Government is a 

party, including cooperative agreements with international or multi-national defense 

organizations, or sales or transfers by the United States Government to foreign 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) B-10

Governments or international organizations. Government purposes include competitive 

acquisition by or on behalf of the Government but do not include the rights to use, 

modify, reproduce, release, perform, display, or disclose data for commercial purposes 

or authorize others to do so. 

The NAS shall own the data and may copyright any work that is subject to copyright and 

was developed, or for which ownership was purchased, in connection with NAS’s 

administration of the ACRP. 

2. Patent Rights – Retention by the Contractor 

The rights in any patents under the ACRP shall be in accordance with FAA Clause 3.5-

10 Patent Rights--Retention by the Contractor (Short Form) (October 1996), which is 

set out in Exhibit A hereto, and incorporated into this Agreement as if fully set forth 

herein. “Contractor” under the foregoing clause shall mean NAS or any of NAS’s 

contractors or subcontractors under the ACRP. The parties acknowledge that NAS does 

not intend to assert any patent rights on its own behalf in an invention made by one of its 

contractors or subcontractors. 

3. All agreements and contracts entered into under this Agreement by NAS shall contain the 

provisions substantially in conformance with 1 and 2. above. 

VII. DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION AND RESEARCH RESULTS 

1. The TRB may enter into cooperative arrangements, contractual or other, with ACI-NA, 

AAAE, or NASAO to ensure early dissemination and adoption of ACRP research 

findings by airport professionals. 

2. The TRB will publish, furnish, and disseminate such technical reports as are necessary 

and desirable for reporting on the results of research and accomplishing the objectives 

of the ACRP, in accordance with appropriate NAS review and publication policies. 

VIII. AUDITS 

The FAA shall have the right to examine or audit the records of NAS under this Agreement 

in accordance with FAA Clause 3.2.2.3-8 Audit and Records (January 2004), which is set 

out in Exhibit B hereto and incorporated into this MOA as if fully set forth herein. 

IX. REVISION OR TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT 

This Agreement is subject to mutually acceptable written revision or written modification 

at the request of any subscriber hereto. Participation by any signatory Party hereto may be 

Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) B-12

ACRP MOA, Exhibit A 

3.5-10 Patent Rights--Retention by the Contractor (Short Form) (October 1996)

 (a) Definitions. 

 (1) "Invention" means any invention or discovery which is or may be patentable or 

otherwise protectable under Title 35 of the United States Code, or any novel variety of plant which is or 

may be protected under the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321, et seq.). 

 (2) "Made" when used in relation to any invention means the conception of first actual 

reduction to practice of such invention. 

 (3) "Nonprofit organization" means a university or other institution of higher education 

or an organization of the type described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 

U.S.C. 501(c)) and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 

501(a)) or any nonprofit scientific or educational organization qualified under a State nonprofit 

organization statute. 

 (4) "Practical application" means to manufacture, in the case of a composition of 

product; to practice, in the case of a process or method, or to operate, in the case of a machine or system; 

and, in each case, under such conditions as to establish that the invention is being utilized and that its 

benefits are, to the extent permitted by law or Government regulations, available to the public on 

reasonable terms. 

 (5) "Small business firm" means a small business concern as defined in the Federal 

Aviation Administration (FAA) Acquisition Management System. For the purpose of this clause, the size 

standards for small business concerns involved in Government procurement and subcontracting at 13 

CFR 121.3-8 and 13 CFR 121.3-12, respectively, will be used. 

 (6) "Subject invention" means any invention of the contractor conceived or first 

actually reduced to practice in the performance of work under this contract, provided that in the case of a 

variety of plant, the date of determination (as defined in section 41(d) of the Plant Variety Protection Act, 

7 U.S.C. 2401(d)) must also occur during the period of contract performance. 

 (b) Allocation of principal rights. The Contractor may retain the entire right, title, and interest 

throughout the world to each subject invention subject to the provisions of this clause and 35 U.S.C. 203. 

With respect to any subject invention in which the Contractor retains title, the Federal Government shall 

have a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license to practice or have practiced for or on 

behalf of the United States the subject invention throughout the world. 

 (c) Invention disclosure, election of title, and filing of patent application by contractor. 

 (1) The Contractor will disclose each subject invention to the Federal agency within 2 

months after the inventor discloses it in writing to Contractor personnel responsible for patent matters. 

The disclosure to the agency shall be in the form of a written report and shall identify the contract under 

which the invention was made and the inventor(s). It shall be sufficiently complete in technical detail to 

convey a clear understanding to the extent known at the time of the disclosure, of the nature, purpose, 

operation, and the physical, chemical, biological or electrical characteristics of the invention. The 

disclosure shall also identify any publication, on sale or public use of the invention and whether a 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) B-13

manuscript describing the invention has been submitted for publication and, if so, whether it has been 

accepted for publication at the time of disclosure. In addition, after disclosure to the agency, the 

contractor will promptly notify the agency of the acceptance of any manuscript describing the invention 

for publication, or of any on sale or public use planned by the Contractor. 

 (2) The Contractor will elect in writing whether or not to retain title to any such 

invention by notifying the Federal agency within 2 years of disclosure to the Federal agency. However, 

in any case where publication, on sale or public use has initiated the 1 year statutory period wherein valid 

patent protection can still be obtained in the United States, the period for election of title may be 

shortened by the agency to a date that is no more than 60 days prior to the end of the statutory period. 

 (3) The Contractor will file its initial patent application on a subject invention to which 

it elects to retain title within 1 year after election of title, or, if earlier, prior to the end of any statutory 

period wherein valid patent protection can be obtained in the United States after a publication, on sale, or 

public use. The Contractor will file patent applications in additional countries or international patent 

offices within either 10 months of the corresponding initial patent application or 6 months from the date 

permission is granted by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to file foreign patent applications 

where such filing has been prohibited by a Secrecy Order. 

 (4) Requests for extension of the time for disclosure election, and filing under 

subparagraphs (c) (1), (2), and (3) of this clause may, at the discretion of the agency, be granted. 

 (d) Conditions when the Government may obtain title. The Contractor will convey to the Federal 

agency, upon written request, title to any subject invention- 

 (1) If the Contractor fails to disclose or elect title to the subject invention within the 

times specified in paragraph (c) of this clause, or elects not to retain title; provided, that the agency may 

only request title within 60 days after learning of the failure of the Contractor to disclose or elect within 

the specified times. 

 (2) In those countries in which the Contractor fails to file patent applications within the 

times specified in paragraph (c) of this clause; provided, however, that if the Contractor has filed a patent 

application in a country after the times specified in paragraph (c) of this clause, but prior to its receipt of 

the written request of the Federal agency, the Contractor may continue to retain title in that country. 

 (3) In any country in which the Contractor decides not to continue the prosecution of 

any application for, to pay the maintenance fees on, or defend in reexamination or opposition proceeding 

on, a patent on a subject invention. 

 (e) Minimum rights to Contractor and protection of the Contractor right to file. 

 (1) The Contractor will retain a nonexclusive royalty-free license throughout the world 

in each subject invention to which the Government obtains title, except if the Contractor fails to disclose 

the invention within the times specified in paragraph (c) of this clause. The Contractor's license extends 

to its domestic subsidiary and affiliates, if any, within the corporate structure of which the Contractor is a 

party and includes the right to grant sublicenses of the same scope to the extent the Contractor was legally 

obligated to do so at the time the contract was awarded. The license is transferable only with the approval 

of the Federal Agency, except when transferred to the successor of that part of the Contractor's business 

to which the invention pertains. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) B-14

 (2) The Contractor's domestic license may be revoked or modified by the funding 

Federal agency to the extent necessary to achieve expeditious practical application of subject invention 

pursuant to an application for an exclusive license submitted in accordance with applicable provisions at 

37 CFR part 404 and agency licensing regulations (if any). This license will not be revoked in that field 

of use or the geographical areas in which the Contractor has achieved practical application and continues 

to make the benefits of the invention reasonably accessible to the public. The license in any foreign 

country may be revoked or modified at the discretion of the funding Federal agency to the extent the 

Contractor, its licensees, or the domestic subsidiaries or affiliates have failed to achieve practical 

application in that foreign country. 

 (3) Before revocation or modification of the license, the funding Federal agency will 

furnish the Contractor a written notice of its intention to revoke or modify the license, and the Contractor 

will be allowed 30 days (or such other time as may be authorized by the funding Federal agency for good 

cause shown by the Contractor) after the notice to show cause why the license should not be revoked or 

modified. The Contractor has the right to appeal, in accordance with applicable regulations in 37 CFR 

part 404 and agency regulations, if any, concerning the licensing revocation of modification of the 

license. 

 (f) Contractor action to protect the Government's interest. 

 (1) The Contractor agrees to execute or to have executed and promptly deliver to the 

Federal agency all instruments necessary to (i) establish or confirm the rights the Government has 

throughout the world in those subject inventions to which the Contractor elects to retain title, and (ii) 

convey title to the Federal agency when requested under paragraph (d) of this clause and to enable the 

Government to obtain patent protection throughout the world in that subject invention. 

 (2) The Contractor agrees to require, by written agreement, its employees, other than 

clerical and nontechnical employees, to disclose promptly in writing to personnel identified as responsible 

for the administration of patent matters and in a format suggested by the Contractor each subject 

invention made under contract in order that the Contractor can comply with the disclosure provisions of 

paragraph (c) of this clause, and to execute all papers necessary to file patent applications on subject 

inventions and to establish the Government's rights in the subject inventions. This disclosure format 

should require, as a minimum, the information required by subparagraph (c)(1) of this clause. The 

Contractor may instruct such employees, through employee agreements or other suitable educational 

programs, on the importance of reporting inventions in sufficient time to permit the filing of patent 

applications prior to U.S. or foreign statutory bars. 

 (3) The Contractor will notify the Federal agency of any decisions not to continue the 

prosecution of a patent application, pay maintenance fees, or defend in a reexamination or opposition 

proceeding on a patent, in any country, not less than 30 days before the expiration of the response period 

required by the relevant patent office. 

 (4) The Contractor agrees to include, within the specification of any United States 

patent application and any patent issuing thereon covering a subject invention, the following statement, 

"The invention was made with Government support under (identify the contract) awarded by (identify the 

Federal agency). The Government has certain rights in the invention." 

 (g) Subcontracts. 

 (1) The Contractor will include this clause, suitably modified to identify the parties, in 

all subcontracts, regardless of tier, for experimental, developmental, or research work to be performed by 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) B-15

a small business firm or domestic nonprofit organization. The subcontractor will retain all rights 

provided for the Contractor in this clause, and the Contractor will not, as part of the consideration for 

awarding the subcontract, obtain rights in the subcontractor's subject inventions. 

 (2) The Contractor will include in all other subcontracts, regardless of tier, for 

experimental, developmental, or research work the patent rights clause required to adequately protect the 

Government's interests consistent with section 3.5 of the FAA Acquisition Management System. 

 (3) In the case of subcontracts, at any tier, the agency, subcontractor, and the Contractor 

agree that the mutual obligations of the parties created by this clause constitute a contract between the 

subcontractor and the Federal agency with respect to the matters covered by the clause; provided, 

however, that nothing in this paragraph is intended to confer any jurisdiction under the FAA disputes 

resolution process, or any board or judicial proceeding, in connection with proceedings under paragraph 

(j) of this clause. 

 (h) Reporting on utilization of subject inventions. The Contractor agrees to submit, on request, 

periodic reports no more frequently than annually on the utilization of a subject invention or on efforts at 

obtaining such utilization that are being made by the Contractor or its licensees or assignees. Such reports 

may include information regarding the status of development, date of first commercial sale or use, gross 

royalties received by the Contractor, and such other data and information as the agency may reasonably 

specify. The Contractor also agrees to provide additional reports as may be requested by the agency in 

connection with any march-in proceeding undertaken by the agency in accordance with paragraph (j) of 

this clause. As required by 35 U.S.C. 202(c)(5), the agency agrees it will not disclose such information to 

persons outside the Government without permission of the Contractor. 

 (i) Preference for United States industry. Notwithstanding any other provision of this clause, the 

Contractor agrees that neither it nor any assignee will grant to any person the exclusive right to use or sell 

any subject invention in the United States unless such person agrees that any product embodying the 

subject invention or produced through the use of the subject invention will be manufactured substantially 

in the United States. However, in individual cases, the requirement for such an agreement may be waived 

by the Federal agency upon a showing by the Contractor or its assignee that reasonable but unsuccessful 

efforts have been made to grant licenses on similar terms to potential licensees that would be likely to 

manufacture substantially in the United States or that under the circumstances domestic manufacture is 

not commercially feasible. 

 (j) March-in rights. The Contractor agrees that, with respect to any subject invention in which it has 

acquired title, the Federal agency has the right in accordance with the procedures in 37 CFR 401.6 and 

any supplemental regulations of the agency to require the Contractor, an assignee or exclusive licensee of 

a subject invention to grant a nonexclusive, partially exclusive, or exclusive license in any field of use to a 

responsible applicant or applicants, upon terms that are reasonable under the circumstances, and if the 

Contractor, assignee, or exclusive licensee refuses such a request the Federal agency has the right to grant 

such a license itself if the Federal agency determines that-- 

 (1) Such action is necessary because the Contractor or assignee has not taken, or is not 

expected to take within a reasonable time, effective steps to achieve practical application of the subject 

invention in such field of use; 

 (2) Such action is necessary to alleviate health or safety needs which are not reasonably 

satisfied by the Contractor, assignee, or their licensees; 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) B-16

 (3) Such action is necessary to meet requirements for public use specified by Federal 

regulations and such requirements are not reasonably satisfied by the Contractor, assignee, or licensees; 

 (4) Such action is necessary because the agreement required by paragraph (i) of this 

clause has not been obtained or waived or because a licensee of the exclusive right to use or sell any 

subject invention in the United States is in breach of such agreement. 

 (k) Special provisions for contracts with nonprofit organizations. If the Contractor is a nonprofit 

organization, it agrees that-- 

 (1) Rights to a subject invention in the United States may not be assigned without the 

approval of the Federal agency, except where such assignment is made to an organization which has as 

one of its primary functions the management of inventions, provided that such assignee will be subject to 

the same provisions as the Contractor; 

 (2) The Contractor will share royalties collected on a subject invention with the 

inventor, including Federal employee co-inventors (when the agency deems it appropriate) when the 

subject invention is assigned in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 202(e) and 37 CFR 401.10; 

 (3) The balance of any royalties or income earned by the Contractor with respect to 

subject inventions, after payment of expenses (including payments to inventors) incidental to the 

administration of subject inventions will be utilized for the support of scientific research or education; and 

 (4) It will make efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to attract licensees 

of subject inventions that are small business firms, and that it will give a preference to a small business 

firm when licensing a subject invention if the Contractor determines that the small business firm has a 

plan or proposal for marketing the invention which, if executed, is equally as likely to bring the invention 

to practical application as any plans or proposals from applicants that are not small business firms; 

provided, that the Contractor is also satisfied that the small business firm has the capability and resources 

to carry out its plan or proposal. The decision whether to give a preference in any specific case will be at 

the discretion of the contractor. However, the Contractor agrees that the Secretary of Commerce may 

review the Contractor's licensing program and decisions regarding small business applicants, and the 

Contractor will negotiate changes to its licensing policies, procedures, or practices with the Secretary of 

Commerce when the Secretary's review discloses that the Contractor could take reasonable steps to more 

effectively implement the requirements of this subparagraph (k)(4). 

 (l) Communications. (Reserved) 

(End of clause) 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) B-17

ACRP MOA, Exhibit B 

3.2.2.3-8 Audit and Records (January 2004) 

 (a) 'Records' includes books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, 

regardless of type and form. 

 (b) Offerors (you, your) must maintain all records and other evidence that reflect direct or indirect real 

or anticipated costs you claim or anticipate incurring as part of this contract. You must also permit the CO 

to examine and audit any record or evidence you might rely on to support any claim for payment you 

might anticipate making, and to inspect during normal business hours the parts of your plant(s) where you 

are performing work under this contract. 

 (c) If you submitted cost or pricing data for this contract, you must permit the CO to examine and audit 

all of your records, including computations and projections, to evaluate the accuracy, completeness, and 

currency of your cost or pricing data. This includes information related to: 

 1. The proposal for the contract, subcontract, or modification; 

 2. Communicating about the proposal(s), including negotiating; 

 3. Pricing the contract, subcontract, or modification; or 

 4. Performing the contract, subcontract or modification. 

 (d) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative, may examine your 

records involving transactions related to this contract or any subcontract. This does not mean you or your 

subcontractors must create or maintain records other than those you maintain in the ordinary course of 

business or required by law. 

 (e) If you must provide cost, funding, or performance reports, the CO may audit your supporting 

records and materials, and evaluate how effectively you produce data for these reports and present the 

data reported. 

 (f) You must make records, materials and other evidence described in paragraphs (a) through (e) of 

this clause available for FAA (us, we, our) inspection at your office during normal business hours for 

three (3) years after final payment under this contract, or for any longer period required by statute or by 

other clauses of this contract. You must allow us to examine, audit, or reproduce this information when 

we request to do so. When requested, you must also provide us-- 

 (1) All records relating to any contract that is completely or partially terminated for three (3) years 

after any final termination or settlement, whichever is later; and 

 (2) Any records relating to appeals under a Contract Disputes clause, litigation, or to the settlement 

of contract disputes relating to this contract until any appeals, litigation, or contract disputes are finally 

resolved. 

 (g) You must include all the terms of this clause in subcontracts 

 (1) that exceed $1,000,000; 

(2) that are cost-reimbursement, incentive, time-and-materials, labor-hour, or price-redeterminable 

or any combination of these; 

 (3) for which the FAA requires cost or pricing data; or 

 (4) that require the subcontractor provide reports as described in paragraph (e) of this clause. 

 

 (h) Neither party may alter this clause except to identify the contracting parties properly. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) B-18

This page intentionally left blank. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) C-1

Appendix C: VISION 100–Century of Aviation 

Reauthorization Act of 2003 

§ 44511. Aviation research grants 

(a) General Authority.— The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may make 

grants to institutions of higher education and nonprofit research organizations to conduct aviation 

research in areas the Administrator considers necessary for the long-term growth of civil 

aviation. 

(b) Applications.— An institution of higher education or nonprofit research organization 

interested in receiving a grant under this section may submit an application to the Administrator. 

The application must be in the form and contain the information the Administrator requires. 

(c) Solicitation, Review, and Evaluation Process.— The Administrator shall establish a 

solicitation, review, and evaluation process that ensures— 

(1) providing grants under this section for proposals having adequate merit and relevancy 

 to the mission of the Administration; 

(2) a fair geographical distribution of grants under this section; and 

(3) the inclusion of historically black institutions of higher education and other minority 

 nonprofit research organizations for grant consideration under this section. 

(d) Records.— Each person receiving a grant under this section shall maintain records that the 

Administrator requires as being necessary to facilitate an effective audit and evaluation of the use 

of money provided under the grant. 

(e) Annual Report.— The Administrator shall submit an annual report to the Committee on 

Science of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 

Transportation of the Senate on carrying out this section. 

(f) Airport Cooperative Research Program.— 

(1) Establishment.— The Secretary of Transportation shall establish a 4-year pilot 

 airport cooperative research program to— 

 (A) identify problems that are shared by airport operating agencies and can be 

 solved through applied research but that are not being adequately addressed by 

 existing Federal research programs; and 

 (B) fund research to address those problems. 
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2005-2007) C-2

(2) Governance.— The Secretary of Transportation shall appoint an independent 

 governing board for the research program established under this subsection. The 

 governing board shall be appointed from candidates nominated by national associations 

 representing public airport operating agencies, airport executives, State aviation officials, 

 and the scheduled airlines, and shall include representatives of appropriate Federal 

 agencies. Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act shall not apply to the 

 governing board. 

(3) Implementation.— The Secretary of Transportation shall enter into an arrangement 

 with the National Academy of Sciences to provide staff support to the governing board 

 established under paragraph (2) and to carry out projects proposed by the governing 

 board that the Secretary considers appropriate. 

(4) Report.— Not later than 6 months after the expiration of the program under this 

 subsection, the Secretary shall transmit to the Congress a report on the program, 

 including recommendations as to the need for establishing a permanent airport 

 cooperative research program.