ACRP IdeaHub Research Projects

This research would examine several examples where implementation of Metroplex or other procedures has resulted in widespread increased community complaints and would explore options for redesigning those flight tracks to reduce noise concentrations over noise sensitive areas while satisfying project design goals and constraints. Changes in aircraft noise exposure, fuel consumption, and air emissions would be quantified... more »

Develop a simplified airport emissions inventory tool for criteria pollutants.

The proposed research project would evaluate carbon removal strategies that could be deployed at airports to help achieve "Net Zero Emissions" in order to align with global emission reduction targets and to address increasing public scrutiny. Carbon removal strategies include both natural (e.g., tree plantings and agricultural soil management) and technological approaches (e.g., carbon-absorbing concrete and direct air... more »

Conduct research on airport noise and emissions regulations,

requirements, programs in place at U.S. airports, including the impetus

for each, legal authority and impact.

We propose an ACRP guidebook and associated tools to help airports plan and implement EV charging stations. Specific topics of the guidebook could include: station siting, codes and standards, costs and benefits, pricing electricity use, payment systems, future-proofing investments, ADA requirements, signage, and incorporation with airport emission goals and airport master plan.

To develop carbon offset methodologies for both commercial and general aviation airports that generate revenue.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a drastic reduction (in some cases over 95%) in air traffic operations at airports around the country. The only other time such extreme conditions occurred was after 9/11 (with three days of a total ground stop). The current situation presents an opportunity to collect significantly more data from a longer time period for both noise and air emissions to understand baselines, and the... more »

Develop emissions factors for air pollutants emitted from aircraft auxiliary power units for a larger set of APUs than are currently in AEDT.

Development of a microgrid standard framework (Technical, Financial, Regulatory, Permitting) solution which can apply to all airports across the country. Due to the complexity of the airports' operation and numbers of stakeholders and decision-makers, this comprehensive solution has not been developed.

Develop a spreadsheet tool and user guidebook for airports to quantify the non-energy benefits of SAJF in their region, to enable more accurate and comprehensive benefit-cost analysis for investment and policy decision-making.

To produce a guidance document that presents airports with their options for various environmental certification and accreditation programs and provides detailed yet easy-to-follow methodology on how to obtain them.

GA Airports face a beneficial at the same time potentially costly decisions to support electric aircraft at their airports in the next 2-4 years. This project will equip airports with rigorous guidance to understand the environmental benefits of electric aviation for airports to evaluate when they start to consider investing in electric charging infrastructure.

The objective is to update the guidance and software for calculating airport construction emissions in order to:

• Incorporate the latest construction practices and regulatory requirements.

• Calculate emissions through the latest version of MOVES.

• Integrate applicable modifications to ACRP Report 102 and the Airport Construction Emissions Inventory Tool (ACEIT)

Install and operate a low cost remote tower solution using COTS/FAA approved radar only FOD detection solution (currently in operation at Heathrow) combined with an optical aircraft tail number/aircraft counter system/situational awareness system.

Airports can play a meaningful role advancing the Sustainable Alternative Jet Fuel (SAJF) adoption. One key area is understanding SAJF infrastructure needs. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has demonstrated leadership along with partners Alaska Airlines and Boeing by pursuing an "Aviation Biofuels Infrastructure Feasibility Study." In 2018, San Francisco International Airport is poised to issue an RFP to identify... more »