WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT AIRPORTS?

In this section of NoiseQuest, you will find information on types of airports as well as Air Traffic Control.

Overview

Airports can vary in:

  • Size
  • Runway characteristics
  • Traffic volume
  • Types of available airplane landing approaches usually involving air traffic control
  • Types of operations including solo, commercial and noncommercial passenger and cargo, and military
Airplane on Runway

Airport operations can include:

  • Commercial operators that provide air transportation for a fee.
  • Scheduled passenger service where an air carrier transports you from one location to another at a certain time.
  • On-demand passenger service in which you and the air carrier agree on the location and time of departure and arrival.
  • Cargo-only service
  • Noncommercial aircraft operators that are private individuals or corporations. Noncommercial operators use their own aircraft (or rent them).

Benefits of Local Airports

A local airport benefits a community by increasing convenience and helping the local economy.

  • Emergency Support Services: Convenience and quicker response time are especially important in emergencies. For example, during a natural disaster much needed supplies can be delivered in hours instead of days. Food, blankets, generators, vaccines and emergency personnel can be quickly sent out from the airport. A local airport reduces the time it takes to get to and from the airport in times of crisis.
  • Tourism: Flying directly into a town, with no additional travel required, increases convenience for prospective tourists. More people may be able to visit the area more readily. Tourists stay in local hotels, eat at local restaurants, spend money in local stores, and attend local events. Sales tax from these purchases goes to local and county jurisdictions.
  • Local Business Operations: Companies can use charter services and/or enjoy the convenience of parking their own aircraft at the airport. In addition, transportation to a city becomes much easier with an airport in the community. Because of these business-friendly services, a local airport can help to draw more business to the area. This can help to provide more jobs and economic benefits to the community.
  • Unique Community Services: Most local airports are home to a fixed base operator (FBO) that offers flight training to the local community. Many people who live near an airport have had the opportunity to train for and receive their pilot licenses through a local FBO. This allows people to realize the dream of flight.

Photo Credit: Ken Plotkin, Wyle