Winter weather conditions affect operations of airports of all sizes, and gaps in preparation can cause potential safety issues. As part of its mission to develop near-term, practical solutions to problems faced by airport operators, the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) selected Gresham Smith to develop guidance for airports that must prepare for, operate during, and recover from disruptive winter events while managing user expectations. Working with additional consultants, we led the development of ACRP Report 123, which helps equips airports with the know how to weather any winter conditions.
Achieving safe operating conditions during winter events can present major challenges and costs to airports and their stakeholders. Those costs can include equipment purchases, operation and maintenance, personnel and training, infrastructure movements, planning and preparation, and lost revenue associated with temporary airport closures. Every airport must develop procedures to prepare for these circumstances based on its own unique requirements.
The guidebook we produced addresses the following components of effective winter operations plans, which are adaptable to a variety of airports:
- Operational considerations—friction, weather and other factors
- Strategies and tactics—equipment, chemicals, drift control and other related factors
- Operational guidelines—personnel, timing, human factors and other related issues
- Economic and finance considerations—budget analysis, benefit-cost analysis and risk analysis
- Environmental issues—permitting and other applicable regulations
To view the report, visit the Transportation Research Board’s website.