To improve safety, efficiency, and operational effectiveness, standardized apron and ramp markings at airports are needed across the United States. Additionally, as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) continue to advance and find diverse applications, airports must stay informed about infrastructure requirements and prepare for the future of aviation. TRB hosted a webinar on Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM Eastern that explored the landscape of apron and ramp markings at U.S. airports, highlighting the unique practices developed in collaboration with stakeholders to meet operational needs. This webinar also dove into UAS technology, discussing airfield design issues, considerations, and challenges.

This webinar was based on ACRP Synthesis 122: Airfield Apron and Ramp Surface Markings and ACRP Research Report 238: Airfield Design for Large Unmanned Aircraft Systems—A Guide.

This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s Airport Cooperative Research Program.

The slides are linked in the meeting materials. View the recorded webinar below.

Webinar agenda and presenters

1. Airfield apron and ramp surface markings – Nathan Polsgrove, Garver, LLC

2. Airfield design for large UAS – Thomas Mackie, Woolpert

3. Question and answer session moderated by Matthew Koss, Garver, LLC

The first 60 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 30 minutes were reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants can:

1. Articulate the variations in apron and ramp markings at U.S. airports, including the collaborative practices developed with stakeholders

2. Explore the fundamentals of large UAS and their airfield infrastructure requirements for airport operations

American Institute of Certified Planners Certification Maintenance Credits

This webinar was approved by the American Planning Association (APA) for 1.5 Certification Maintenance (CM) Credits. CM credits provide continuing education opportunities for AICP Certified Planners to continue their professional skills and knowledge. To receive CM credits, Certified Planners should visit the TRB event webpage on American Planning Association and register their participation. If you have problems reporting your CM credits or have general questions about the CM program, please contact the APA.

Continuing Education Units for Accredited Airport Executives

The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) provided 1 Continuing Education Units (CEU) to accredited airport executives who attended this webinar. Claim CEUs by visiting www.aaae.org/ceu. For questions about AAAE continuing education units, please contact accreditation@aaae.org.