ACRP IdeaHub Synthesis Topics

The objective of this research is to create a guidebook of Aircraft Characteristics. The first step is a synthesis that summarizes the data sources available for determining Aircraft Characteristics for airport planning, design, construction, and operation. The characteristics would include at a minimum Aircraft Approach Category (AAC), Airplane Design Group (ADG), Taxiway Design Group (TDG), wingspan, tail height, length,... more »

A synthesis that would allow a cross the board runway length determination analysis.

Changes to the RCAM have impacted how and when airports remove contaminants on the runway and in turn has impacted the hours needed for personnel and equipment to remove contaminants as well as the useful life of markings and pavement surfaces.

Dogs and cats are entering the US at an alarming rate; serving as potential sources of novel pathogens, zoonotic pathogens, and vectors that could become established in a new region. Airport grounds need animal handling, inspection, and holding facilities to inspect animals prior to being released into our nation.

This Synthesis study will document the current state of practice of modeling the distribution of future aviation activity among airports in a multi-airport region and identify needed future research to advance the state of practice. The state of practice of how this is done has advanced very little in the past two decades, although the advent of relatively new "big data" sources of information offers promising opportunities... more »

The objective of this research is to identify how airports can assist Federal and state law enforcement in combatting human trafficking. By supporting investigation and interdiction of human trafficking occurring in and around their facilities, airports can improve their security posture and the safety of the traveling public, as well as the diverse victims of this under-reported crime. Potential research products would... more »

The purpose of this synthesis is to compile research, reports, and practices related to state and local regulations, seaplane operation, policy issues, arguments for and against aircraft and motorboat usage, and sample regulations, practices or guidelines regarding invasive species control.

The synthesis will serve as a useful reference document for presenting data and informing policymakers, seaplane operators, regulators,... more »

Synthesis of case studies showcasing what has worked well and what has not, to give examples of alignment between airport operators and land use jurisdictions. States might take different approaches from each other, and understanding these differences could be valuable.

Survey of National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) and other aviation groups to ascertain what is done to make land use planning required by communities affected by airports.

Synthesis or toolkit of FAA regulations relative to land use. Such a resource would note any conflicts between FAA requirements and local land use rules and policies.

Airports, especially general aviation, nonhub, and those with geographic terrain issues, have challenges with maintaining the turf and vegetation in and around the airport. The proposed Synthesis would review current airport practices for turf and vegetation management given the various constraints of manpower, equipment, funding, etc.

The Covid-19 Pandemic has had a more deleterious effect on the worldwide aviation system than anything that has come since the Wright Brothers first set wing to wind in the early 1900's, eclipsing even the impacts associated with the September 11th attacks in 2001. The governmental guidelines (in some municipalities, stated as requirements), for physical distancing (the now-infamous six-foot rule), may work manually and... more »

In 2020, ACRP Synthesis 108 was published based on 2018 data. This synthesis established an important (and previously unavailable) baseline about the fixed base operator (FBO) industry. Much has happened at GA airports and to business and personal flying during the pandemic.  It would be valuable to the GA airport community to reassess/update the analysis presented in Synthesis 108 and reflect on new services and business... more »