Dropdown items
My Academies

Personal Library

Account settings

Creating Self-Directed Resiliency Plans for General Aviation Airports (2024)

Chapter: Tool D: Mitigating Actions to Address Shocks and Stressors

Visit NAP.edu/10766 to get more information about this book, to buy it in print, or to download it as a free PDF.

Previous chapter Next chapter
Page of 118
Search this publication

Previous Chapter: Tool C: Risk-Assessment Analysis Tool

Page 19

Suggested Citation: "Tool D: Mitigating Actions to Address Shocks and Stressors." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Creating Self-Directed Resiliency Plans for General Aviation Airports. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27879.

TOOL D

Mitigating Actions to Address Shocks and Stressors

The research team gathered the following shocks and stressors and their associated best practices and mitigating actions during the research team interviews (see Table D-1). This resource is not meant to be an exhaustive list of shocks and stressors airports may encounter, best practices, or mitigating actions; however, it should provide a basic understanding of the challenges GA airports could face with helpful best practices and mitigating actions. Airports are encouraged to consider implementing these associated best practices and mitigating actions in their resilience planning. This will enable the airport to start assessing current measures and gaps and identify additional requirements (e.g., staffing and funding) needed to implement different strategies for tackling their shocks and stressors.

Table D-1. Shocks and stressors.

Economic
Shock/Stressor	Description	Associated Best Practices/Mitigating Actions
Fuel price increases	Inflation and global political situations have directly resulted in increased fuel prices, which directly affect airport operations. When fuel prices unexpectedly rise, GA airports must manage rising costs to continue operations.	Pre-purchase fuel to keep prices low for customers for as long as possible (if applicable). Create a fuel discount program for fuel purchased at a high volume to encourage customers to continue flying even with the high price of fuel. Privatize fuel service. Establish minimum standards that moderate fuel costs by fixed-base operator (FBO)/provider.
Financial stress/Resilience issues	While funding can come from various sources, a number of GA airports rely on local taxes and income from airport operations, including fuel sales and tenant and hangar leases. As a result, GA airports are susceptible to economic fluctuations, which can impact the airport’s ability to continue its success and uninterrupted operations.	Diversify airport income sources regularly, including the consideration of nonaeronautical revenue sources. Coordinate regularly with peer airports to understand alternative methods and best practices for increased revenue. Maintain regular community outreach to ensure the value of the airport is clear to the local community. Community support of the airport is vital for continued financial success. Consider opportunities for airport-sponsored community events. Document airport spending and keep a reserve available (recommended six months to a year of airport expenses) to cover critical expenditures in the event of short-term cuts to funding. Update airport rates and fees on an annual basis to keep pace with market and inflation rates.
Federal funding opportunities	Opposite of the issues associated with the lack of funding, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown how the availability of federal relief in the form of stimulus, removal of local fund-matching requirements, or new grant opportunities have strained airports to prioritize eligible projects and initiatives and maximize available funding.	Stay up-to-date on funding opportunities and understand the processes for procurement. Understand obligations associated with funding types. Maintain good relationships with the local FAA Airports District Office and state regulatory agency (DOT). Develop and maintain an up-to-date Airport Capital Improvement Plan that can be a source of projects to be moved forward if funding became available.

Page 20

Environmental
Shock/Stressor	Description	Associated Best Practices/Mitigating Actions
Severe weather	Severe weather is highly unpredictable and includes a diversity of effects, such as wind, monsoons, haboobs, and extreme temperatures, that can result in significant disruptions for airports and their stakeholders. Each of these types of weather can cause different challenges to airport operations.	Install cameras to monitor the airfield remotely, ensuring staff can react quickly to any weather-related damage. Communicate with all tenants to ensure aircraft are secured, all hangar doors are closed, and equipment has been safely relocated. Install generators in the event of power outages. Develop severe weather standard operating procedures that lay out plans to be followed to preserve human life and property and return to regular airport operations. Develop a notification system for severe weather events in collaboration with the National Weather Service. Develop and maintain a periodic drainage maintenance plan to minimize airfield drainage system debris.
Flooding	Flooding events typically occur when dry land becomes inundated from the overflow of inland or tidal waters or rapid accumulation. Flooding is anticipated to increase dramatically in the coming decades. Airports near water sources or the coast are particularly likely to be affected.	Rebuild flood-prone buildings with concrete block instead of drywall to minimize infrastructural damage and expedite the cleaning process so operations can resume quickly. Eliminate all carpeting from flood-prone office buildings to further aid the cleaning process and reduce the chances of mold or water damage to the building. Make design modifications to T-hangars to allow water to flow through more easily during a flooding event. Overhaul the runway lighting system to replace LED lights more susceptible to water damage, with older technology that can better withstand flooding. Design the airfield according to FAA specifications to keep water off paved areas.
Winter storms	Winter storms are notice events that bury communities in severe cold, snow, and ice. All three of these impacts can cause significant challenges to airport operations if not properly managed.	Ensure the runway is grooved, which assists in melting snow and ice [Note: FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding may not be available for runways less than 5,000 ft]. Develop a snow and ice control plan or have a snow and ice control committee, or both.
Hurricanes	Hurricanes are notice events caused by a confluence of warm water, air, and wind and are anticipated to increase because of climate change. Hurricanes also cause flooding and infrastructure damage that can have short- and long-term effects on airports.	Ensure the runway is grooved to prevent hydroplaning in rain conditions (Note: FAA AIP funding may not be available for runways less than 5,000 ft). Implement a hurricane preparedness manual.
Tornadoes	Tornadoes are short- or no-notice events, short in duration, and develop during severe thunderstorms having winds that can reach 300 miles per hour (mph) or higher and can cause devastating wind damage. GA airports may be directly affected or located in communities impacted by a tornado event.	Establish operating plans that include the identification of shelters and safe places, given the sudden nature of tornadoes.
Earthquakes	Earthquakes are no-notice incidents caused by the movement of tectonic plates and can cause severe damage to infrastructure and buildings. GA airports may have facilities impacted by an earthquake or need to manage airport operations when critical infrastructure has been damaged.	Participate in the Cascadia Rising exercise, a multistate and multiagency National Level Exercise that focuses on the major rupture along the Cascadia Subduction Zone, or other organized local, state, or national planning and exercise efforts. Develop a post-incident inspection plan for facilities and runways to authorize them for operations.

Page 21

Environmental
Shock/Stressor	Description	Associated Best Practices/Mitigating Actions
Drought	Prolonged shortages in the water supply cause droughts. In the event of a drought, airports may be forced to implement water conservation techniques that may cause disruptions to normal operations.	Prioritize native plantings and foliage, nonpotable water, and water reuse to minimize overall water use at airport facilities. Implement education and training for airport staff, tenants, contractors, and other stakeholders to improve awareness and capacity development on water conservation strategies. Implement water-use policies organizationwide to limit facility water use and improve conservation efforts. Consider and plan for the coexisting impacts of drought, including increased fire risk, workers’ safety, pavement softening or melting, and other damage to physical infrastructure. Coordinate with local and regional government officials to understand existing planning for mitigating drought impacts.
Wildfires	In the event of a wildfire, an airport may be impacted by proximity to the fire itself, have visibility impacted by flames and smoke, or may become an emergency response center for firefighting aircraft and personnel.	Establish operating plans, including the identification of evacuation procedures. Consider stocking respirators and other personal protection equipment.
Volcanic eruption	Volcanic activity, including eruptions, are multihazard events that can include other shocks, such as earthquakes, landsides, floods, fires, and tsunamis.	Ensure the airport emergency plan includes a warning notification protocol, evacuation plan, and communications protocol. Compile a disaster supply kit that includes items needed specifically for conditions with volcanic ash (e.g., respirators, goggles, tape to seal windows and doors).
Tsunami	Most tsunamis are caused by underwater earthquakes or landsides or volcanic eruptions that displace a huge quantity of water.	Ensure specific preventive measures and procedures are in place as applicable for airports in tsunami-prone areas.

Operational
Shock/Stressor	Description	Associated Best Practices/Mitigating Actions
Political issues (local, state, and national)	GA airport funding is closely tied to national, state, and local politics and elections. Many GA airports rely heavily on the current political climate toward airport funding, which can easily change after an election. The change in power from one election cycle to the next is of great importance to the resilience of GA airport facilities. This may also include political pressure and impacts from the airport’s neighboring communities.	Plan for the airport’s future before political leanings change to remain consistent; this is key to airport solvency. Consider airport spending and keep a reserve available to cover critical expenditures in the event of short-term cuts to funding. Keep abreast of the local election cycles to understand the key issues being weighed and possible impacts on airport operations. Ensure the value of the airport is clear to the local community so community members support the airport no matter the local leadership.
Pilot shortages	Training and recruiting new pilots are critical to the continued stability and growth of the aviation industry, as GA airports often rely on private-plane owners and small companies for their business. When there are fewer pilots, fewer people can learn how to fly, fewer hangars are being rented for plane storage, and overall fewer customers are using GA services.	Stay connected with local educational institutions to ensure the future generation understands the airport’s role and that aviation is open to all kinds of community members. Engage pilots at the airport in programming that offers discovery flights and other opportunities for “learning in action.” Consider partnerships with regional and national organizations (e.g., Black Pilots of America, Inc., Women in Aviation International, etc.) to encourage continued diversity in the pilot profession.

Page 22

Operational
Shock/Stressor	Description	Associated Best Practices/Mitigating Actions
Border security	Border security is of particular concern near U.S. borders, where airports may be transit points for people entering the country illegally. In addition, GA airports that reside along a border require additional coordination with international law enforcement and are disproportionately affected by incidents that affect the border status (e.g., investigations and border closure).	Work to regularly coordinate with border patrol and local law enforcement within the United States and the bordering country to understand critical dates for each country and emergency planning and operations for catastrophic events. Maintain a plan for communications and coordination during and after shock events with an impact on border security.
Terrorist threats and attacks	GA airports play an important role in the U.S. economy and in their communities. Because of their importance, they are vulnerable to terrorist threats and attacks whether perpetrated by domestic or international actors. Aircraft at GA airports are smaller and slower than those at commercial airports but can still be used in a terrorist situation in chemical or biological attacks.	Install cameras on the airfield and in secure areas for increased security surveillance. Implement airport access restrictions, including fencing and gate access restrictions for the airfield. Consider implementing background checks for airport employees at a regular interval, approximately every two to three years. Understand that no organization is too small to fall victim to a terrorist attack and work to implement a policy of “if you see something, say something.”
Cyberattacks and cyber terrorism	Airports are vulnerable to cyberattacks, whether perpetrated by adversarial actors or hobbyist hackers. Cyberattacks can affect all interconnected airport systems or may impact a system the airport relies on while not targeting the airport directly. There are also possible ramifications for airport tenants whose business operations may make them more likely to become the victim of a cyberattack (e.g., Department of Defense operations or defense contractors).	Understand that no organization is too small to fall victim to a cyberattack and work to implement a policy of “if you see something, say something.” Coordinate with airport staff and tenants on best practices for personal devices, such as identification and authentication systems. Consider the implementation of countermeasures like the completion of a risk assessment or implementation of access control measures. Consider backup systems and system redundancy in the airport IT network. Ensure software and systems are up-to-date with the latest patches installed.
Transportation incidents	Incidents in other areas of the transportation network (e.g., vehicle and rail incidents) can create ripple effects at GA airports. These can include delays in scheduled flights, increases in calls to emergency response centers, and impacts on the regular flow of traffic to and from the airport.	Coordinate regularly with local emergency response personnel to ensure notification of critical agencies during a transportation incident. Establish emergency routing for various access points to the airport in the event of road closure. Establish letters of agreement (LOAs) with applicable local, state, and regional emergency response agencies and the airport tower (if applicable).
Airport security	Intentional, adversarial actors may threaten runway security in numerous ways. Airports must maintain runway security and rapidly respond if it is threatened or impacted to maintain operations.	Install runway lights to provide better visibility to pilots and airport personnel. Install a security access control system with individualized access that includes complete camera coverage of the airfield and a wireless gate providing 24/7 control of the airfield. Install security fencing around the airport property or the airfield at a minimum. Provide airfield access and security training, such as drivers training, to ensure safe access and operations in the airfield.
Power outage	Airports and airport systems rely on electricity to function correctly. When the electrical supply is disrupted through a power outage, airports may be partially or fully unable to operate safely until power is restored.	Establish a plan to back up systems in the event of a power outage (e.g., consider on-site generator). Ensure there are hard copies of important documents (e.g., communications plan, airport emergency plan) on hand to reference. Review all assets that require power for both minimal and maximum operations, develop a plan for them in the event of a power outage.

Page 23

Operational
Shock/Stressor	Description	Associated Best Practices/Mitigating Actions
Industrial disasters	Airports with either on-site industrial companies or properties near industrial sites should be prepared for the potential impacts of an industrial disaster. Even if such a disaster does not occur on airport property, it will likely impact operations for some time.	Have an established emergency operations plan in place to outline the airport’s role in an industrial disaster and the role of each airport staff member and department before, during, and after a catastrophic industrial disaster event. Communicate and regularly coordinate with local stakeholders and emergency response personnel. Consider completion of tabletop exercises on a regular interval to practice emergency response protocols.
Aging infrastructure	Airports in the United States are, on average, 40 years old. Due mainly to limited funding, airports have focused on immediate needs (maintenance) versus being able to fund larger, much-needed infrastructure projects.	Document infrastructure inventory and condition to prioritize rehabilitation/reconstruction/replacement/upgrade activities. Update infrastructure with resilience in mind. Develop and maintain an airport pavement management program to preserve adequate federal funding for airport pavements.
Construction projects	There are potential operational and safety challenges during construction projects on the airfield. While they are planned for and phased in advance, there may be unexpected activity, changes in plans, or accidents that may change or alter impacts to the airport.	Ensure contract documents include emergency action plans to address potential challenges during construction. Share contract documents, schedules, daily activity plans, etc., with all airport staff.
VIP visits	While special events often provide time for planning for impacts to airports, some special events, like a presidential visit, may not provide enough notice to address impacts to airport operations.	Review ACRP Synthesis 57: Airport Response to Special Events (Kramer and Moore 2014) and use provided suggestions, checklists, and case-study information to prepare.

Social
Shock/Stressor	Description	Associated Best Practices/Mitigating Actions
Human pandemic	A human pandemic can devastate the workforce across the aviation community and cause travelers to reduce their travel drastically. Airports must help passengers feel safe while working with limited funds and personnel.	Develop and implement robust resilience plans that address staff and stakeholder health and safety. Create and maintain a mechanism for authorizing electronic signatures. Build a drop box outside the terminal to submit paperwork remotely. Transfer meetings to a virtual space.
Personnel issues	Many things can cause airports to experience a lack of personnel, including financial, social, economic, and political causes. Airports need to identify their critical staffing levels and manage the impacts of reduced staffing. A compounding issue is finding sufficiently qualified and experienced personnel. Low wages for airport staff have also led to retention difficulties.	Prioritize staff viewpoints while solving problems at periodic operations staff meetings (on a regular interval), “all hands” meetings, and other gatherings. Hire part-time personnel to fill staffing gaps. Use colleagues from other airports within the airport system to fill staffing gaps. Develop and post job openings that more specifically outline the desired experience and qualifications. Advocate for increasing pay, additional benefits, and employee appreciation programs to increase staff retention. Consider and treat employees as stakeholders to encourage participation in airport activities, incorporating the feedback from those who are most knowledgeable about the airport and ensuring the employees feel like valuable assets.