ACRP IdeaHub Synthesis Topics

There are numerous processes by which state aviation grant programs are administered and managed. This project would summarize various state aviation grant program policies, procedures, and processes used across the country.

Identify how drones can be utilized as a tool for airport operations (inspections, maintenance, wildlife) and emergency response. Identify who is currently using them and what are the best practices for their use in an airport environment. This topic was discussed for the FY2018 synthesis program and has been held over for further discussion at the FY2019 synthesis topic selection meeting. John Pokryfke, jpokryfke@broward.org... more »

Airports have been using the Internet of Things to become more connected and offer enhanced customer service logistics as smart airports. This synthesis would document the state of the industry with regard to the application of smart airport technologies and lessons learned from current adopters.

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.

The Synthesis project would review and summarize the aviation system performance measures that have been adopted as part of national, state and regional airport system plans.

The objective of this synthesis is to document agency practices, challenges, and success in conducting automated pavement condition data collection surveys. The study is intended to showcase successful practices, integration of automated data collection into pavement management systems, and efforts needed for reporting pavement condition.

This project will provide airport administrators and other stakeholders with a concise resource that applies software solutions, applications, and digital technologies toward a multitude of common tasks, responsibilities, and problems. The project will synthesize existing research and resources on the subject, paying particular attention to off-the-shelf style product categories that can be easily procured, implemented,... more »

Conduct a survey of ramp/apron markings currently being used on US Airports and develop an apron/Ramp paint marking manual to establish common marking standards for ramp/aprons

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.

The objective of this research is to create a database of performance benchmarks for airport facilities. Airport staff need a better understanding of key operational metrics associated with building performance in order to improve efficiency, decrease operating costs, and reduce environmental impacts. A standard system which normalizes for weather, location, carbon intensity of utility supplied energy, and airport specific... more »

Provide a synthesis to the airport emergency management community which identifies and assesses best practices across various airport emergency operations centers (EOCs).

Airports, airlines and their emergency response partners can develop a culture of interagency coordination that promotes the regular sharing of airline, airport, and other emergency response plans and strategies. This can provide an opportunity for both airline and support staff and the airports to be familiar with individual corporate emergency response and family assistance plans in the event there is the need for a... more »

Flight diversions are most often gas-and-go with no deplaning of passengers. However, a diversion may happen because of an emergency on the plane or an emergency may result from the diversion, and in either case emergency response and possibly victim and family assistance may be involved. Diversions may be to an airport that does not typically handle the size or type of aircraft involved or the number of passengers all... more »

To compile data from various airports around the country about practices they use for airport credentialing. This would also include the setup and staffing of an airport credentialing office.