To solve common problems, learn about new technologies and assess innovations in service and operations, airport sponsors need unbiased and reliable research. In 2005, the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) was established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to meet this need.

ACRP receives annual funding allotments from the FAA to fulfill its mission. With these allocations, ACRP funds research projects and activities to help airports address real-world challenges and problems.

DY Consultants plays a key role in research projects sponsored by ACRP. In their Research Project 04-19, Airport Emergency Planning: Incident Command System Compliance, DY led nationwide surveys and conducted a series of interviews with airport sponsors from all nine FAA regions. These sponsors represented the gamut of airport size and function—from General Aviation (GA) airports to medium- and large- commercial hubs.

Based on the survey findings and interviews, DY prepared a comprehensive summary of findings as well as recommendations for the development of a tool/template intended to help airport managers and operators in preparing Airport Emergency Plans (AEPs) and improving emergency preparedness and operations.

DY also led ACRP Synthesis 11-03, Topic S03-15, “How Airports Plan for Changing Aircraft Capacity – the Effects of Upgauging.” The research team worked closely with the ACRP Topic Panel and a broad range of stakeholders around the country. Large, medium and small hub airports, GA airports, State DOTs and Aeronautics offices were represented. The goal of the project was to investigate and summarize current industry practices related to air service development, traffic forecasts, flexible planning and funding opportunities for airport capacity developments.