The benchmarks reflect the number of takeoffs and landings per hour for the given conditions. These benchmarks can be exceeded occasionally and lower rates can be expected under adverse conditions. The resulting capacity benchmarks were then compared to carrier schedule data from the Official Airline Guide. Scheduled carrier operations constitute a significant part, but not all, of an airport's traffic. Excluded are general aviation and military operations, non-scheduled flights and some cargo operations.
Human factors play a critical role in the benchmark rates reported by the air traffic facility.
Benchmarks are strongly affected by how busy the airport is and how aggressively the management team sets target rates. These on-site visits included discussions with local air traffic personnel, airport authorities, and air carriers serving the airport. For the other airports, discussions were conducted with managers at the local air traffic facility. The individual benchmark summaries compare projected growth in capacity with projected growth in demand to understand the relationship between future airline demand and airport capacity. Demand is based on the Terminal Area Forecast, the FAA's projection of aviation activity at select U.S. airports, and is revised annually to reflect current and anticipated economic and social conditions.