Airport Operations and Activity Metrics

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Questions and Answers

What are the two main categories of airports in the US, based on their usage?

Public-use commercial service and cargo service

Public-use commercial service and general aviation (correct)

Military and cargo service

General aviation and military

What is the primary distinction between public-use commercial service and general aviation airports?

One is for passengers and the other is for cargo

One is for commercial airlines and the other is for private flights (correct)

One is for large aircraft and the other is for small aircraft

One is for military and the other is for civilian use

Why does the FAA not consider private-use, private-owned airports in its planning or funding decisions?

Because they are not financially viable

Because they are not publicly accessible (correct)

Because they are only used for military purposes

Because they are too small to be considered

What is the primary purpose of measuring 'landed weight' in airport statistics?

To plan and design airport infrastructure Signup and view all the answers

How does the FAA classify airports in terms of their usage?

By the type of users they servce Signup and view all the answers

What type of airport is not open to the public and is exclusively used by the airport owner?

Private-use airport Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of commercial service airports?

They may accommodate general aviation operations Signup and view all the answers

What type of operations can general aviation airports experience?

Unscheduled air charter or air taxi operations Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about Fairbanks International Airport (FAI)?

It has a variety of activities, including commercial and general aviation operations Signup and view all the answers

What can be found at Fairbanks International Airport (FAI)?

A terminal building for domestic and international passenger service Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Atlanta/Hartsfield International Airport (ATL)?

It is the busiest airport in the United States and in the world Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical component of understanding airport management?

Understanding the pilot world Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of understanding airport operations?

The production side of aviation Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of airports?

They can be thriving, metropolis-like centers Signup and view all the answers

What is a key area of understanding for airport executives?

Understanding airport organization and regulations Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of understanding historical references?

It provides insight into the 'why of things' Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of airports in terms of their customers?

They serve many customers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Airport Fundamentals Overview

Airport executives need to understand U.S. airport development, flight operations, and regulations.
Historical context is crucial for grasping current regulations, informing “the why of things.”
Airports can range from small facilities with few hangars to large entities handling tens of thousands of passengers daily.
Successful airport operation depends on understanding stakeholder needs, airport activities, and aviation production.

Airport Roles and Purpose

Airports serve as multifaceted systems, functioning as both businesses and public utilities.
They are integral parts of a global airport network, with pilots being primary customers.
Understanding pilot operations is as essential as managing airport regulations.

Measurements of Airport Activity

Operational metrics include:
- Takeoffs, landings, and instrument approaches for air traffic control evaluations.
- General aviation: measured in annual flight operations.
- Commercial service: tracked by enplanements (passenger boardings), flight operations, and air cargo volume.
- "Landed weight" assesses cargo tonnage for airport planning and funding.

Airport Classifications

Under the NPIAS, airports are designated for fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and seaplanes.
Common classifications in the U.S. include:
- Public-use commercial service airports
- General aviation airports
- Military and private-use airports
Military and private airports are restricted to exclusive use by owners and lack public access.

Types of Airports

Five primary airport types exist in the U.S.:
- Private airports
- Commercial service airports
- General aviation airports
- Cargo service airports
- Military airports
The FAA does not fund private-use airports unless they are publicly accessible.
Military airports receive FAA support only if they accommodate civilian operations.

Examples of Airport Activities

Airports may simultaneously have commercial and general aviation operations.
Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) exemplifies diverse airport functions, hosting multiple airlines, air cargo services, and specialized runways.
FAI statistics from 2015:
- 457,372 enplanements
- 119,898 flight operations.
Atlanta/Hartsfield International Airport (ATL) is noted as the busiest airport in the U.S. and globally.

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Description

This quiz covers the different metrics used to measure airport activity, including flight operations, enplanements, and landed weight. Learn about the various ways to track airport activity and how they differ between general aviation and commercial service airports.