FTA Projects USA

Boston Logan International Airport
Logan Airside Improvements EIS/EIR 1996-2002	As a key member of the team selected to complete both an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed improvement packages, FTA refined the analysis methodology and was instrumental in developing nine future forecast scenarios for evaluation. The improvement packages included a new unidirectional commuter runway, major taxiway additions and enhancements, reduced landing minimums, and a peak hour pricing mechanism. FTA conducted a series of computer simulations with FLAPS to estimate runway capacity and runway exit utilization. The Airport Machine (APM) was used to model taxiway activity and delays. FTA's DELAYSIM produced estimates of runway utilization and aircraft delays for each of the concepts under each scenario. FTA developed flight tracks for the new runway, analyzed associated noise impacts, assessed future technology and safety issues, participated in noise and air quality studies, and helped prepare the FEIR and FEIS mandated by State and Federal authorities.
Logan GEIR & ESPR 1995-2001	FTA was a member of the Massport teams responsible for preparing the Generic Environmental Impact Reports and Environmental Status and Planning Report for Logan Airport. FTA's overall role was to provide aviation industry expertise in general, and knowledge of Logan operations in particular. Specific inputs involved future traffic levels, industry trends, regional context issues, and airfield delays.
PRAS Maintenance 1996-present	FTA has developed a new preferential runway advisory system (PRAS) for Boston Logan International Airport. The new system operates 24 hours per day to air traffic controllers with recommended runway configurations which satisfy weather and wind requirements, recognize runway maintenance needs, accommodate anticipated demand levels, and still provide short-term and annual noise relief to surrounding neighborhoods. FTA has continued to maintain and improve the enhanced PRAS at Logan. Recent efforts have included changes in response to FAA requests, improved handling of unanticipated inputs, and preparation of new reports for Massport.
International Gateway EIR 1994	FTA was member of the consulting team that prepared both the Environmental Impact Review (EIR) and the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the planned improvements to the International Terminal at Logan Airport. The project includes a new and expanded Federal Inspection Services facility as well as a new west concourse with additional wide-body gates. FTA reviewed current operations (aircraft, passengers, baggage), and projected future activities in 1999 and 2010 for the proposed design as well as several alternatives.
Logan Airfield Improvements Feasibility 1994-1995	Logan International Airport has been ranked by the FAA for several years as one of the worst commercial airports in the US in terns of delays. FTA was a key member of the consultant team that undertook a detailed analysis of operational and environmental impacts of a menu of airside improvement concepts. The projects considered ranged from a new commuter runway, other runway extensions, various taxiway improvements, and revised operational procedures. FTA developed the methodology for analyzing operational and environmental impacts of the proposed improvements. Using FLAPS and DELAYSIM, FTA conducted computer simulations to estimate runway capacity and delays of the individual concepts, and to produce inputs for the environmental studies. FTA also predicted the noise impacts of each improvement, using the FAA's Integrated Noise Model (INM) for airside noise and a proprietary propagation model for ground noise effects. FTA participated in the selection of recommended improvement packages. Which were carried forward into a more in-depth Environmental Impact Statement process.
Milton A/P Noise Comm. 1992	Under Massport sponsorship, FTA conducted an evaluation of several issues raised by the Town of Milton Airport Noise Committee (MANC). The causes for aircraft noise in the town were reviewed, and specific mitigation recommendations by the MANC were evaluated. The study included arrival and departure procedures, runway configurations and utilization, airport noise goals and the preferential runway advisory system, and other factors.
LAMP Environmental Study 1990-1991	FTA was a member of the team that prepared the Draft and Final Generic Environmental Impact Reports (DGEIR and FGEIR) for Logan Airport and the LAMP improvements. FTA assisted in the assessment of past forecasts for Logan Airport and the preparation of future projections for the GEIR. FTA provided inputs on regional transportation opportunities and overall expertise on air transportation issues. FTA participated in an advisory role in the preparation of several Environmental Notification Forms (ENFs) for related LAMP projects.
Peak-Hour Pricing 1990-1991	FTA was retained to develop and evaluate innovative peak hour pricing concepts for Logan International Airport. Using accepted practices in the utilities industry for peak load pricing, recommendations were developed for peak period pricing at the airport. FTA analyzed Logan's demand and delays to develop a rational and justifiable definition for peak hours. Finally, FTA is applied the DELAYSIM model to simulate the effects of the proposed pricing structures on airport delays.
LOGIC Study 1989-1991	FTA was a member of the F. R. Harris consultant team that examined the potential impacts of future growth at Boston's Logan International Airport over the next twenty years. The study objectives were to project the future demand for services at Logan, and the likely effects of this growth on noise, pollution, traffic and other aspects of the environment. In Phase I of the project, FTA prepared a constrained forecast of passengers, movements and cargo/mail for several scenarios. In the second Phase, FTA identified potential future developments; conducted detailed cumulative and single-event noise analyses of these alternatives using the FAA Integrated Noise Model. Strategies for controlling the growth and corresponding impacts were formulated and evaluated. Additional responsibilities included updating the projected role of Logan in the regional air transportation system, and a special study of low-frequency aircraft noise to examine the relative benefits of Stage 3 operations for rumble.
ENPRAS 1988-1995	FTA developed a new preferential runway advisory system (PRAS) for Boston Logan International Airport. The first phase included the evaluation of system requirements, updating the noise impacts using the FAA Integrated Noise Model, formulation of logic and algorithms to balance noise and capacity, preparation of a simulation to evaluate the feasibility of the system, and definition of design specifications for the hardware and software. Phase 2 involved hardware procurement, software implementation, testing, and installation at Logan for the FAA air traffic controllers' use. The new system operates 24/7 to recommend runway configurations which satisfy weather and wind requirements, recognize runway maintenance needs, accommodate anticipated demand levels, and still provides short-term and annual noise relief to surrounding neighborhoods. PRAS incorporates a true planning capability for controllers, increased software flexibility to handle future conditions, and a technique for controller workload required to change runway configurations. Phase 3 features automatically recognize changes in current or forecast weather, demand projections, and field condition changes; they also enhanced monthly and annual reports on runway use and compliance with established noise goals.
CHART 1986-1989	FTA developed two simulation models to evaluate the passenger and baggage flows at Boston's International Terminal (Terminal E). The departures model included security, hold areas, boarding gates and concession areas; this was used to evaluate the potential benefits that might be realized by several proposed alternative rearrangements of the security facilities. A detailed simulation of the international arrivals included arrival gates, Federal Inspection Services (FIS), baggage claim and customs. It was used to examine changes in the procedures for FIS and for baggage claim device assignments.
Air Traffic Control Projects
Advanced Traffic Flow Management 2001-2002	Under contract to the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, FTA is investigating decision support tools for Tactical Flow Management based on TFAS (Traffic Flow Automation System). Current TFAS research focuses on the feasibility of coupling the trajectory prediction methods of CTAS (Center TRACON Automation System) with the ETMS (Enhanced Traffic Management System) currently used in the field to assist FAA Traffic Flow Managers and Planners. It will provide an improvement in the prediction of future arrival times (particularly for climbing and descending aircraft). Advanced Decision Support Tools for Traffic Flow Management should allow rapid re-planning of efficient new traffic flows in the event of errors in forecasting the movement of severe weather, or when ATC equipment fails, or runways are changed causing a transient in airport acceptance rate.
Boston Part 77 Analysis 1999-2000	FTA was retained by the developers of a proposed new high-rise office complex in Boston to evaluate potential airspace obstruction issues. A critical review of the FAA airspace analysis was performed, and additional analysis of fleet performance and procedures conducted to refute the designation of a hazard to air navigation.
Air Traffic Control Seminar 1998-1999	Prof. Emeritus Simpson presented a series of lectures for M.I.T. Lincoln Laboratory personnel on ATC concepts and procedures.
IFR Wake Vortex Safety Criteria 1996-1997	FTA was contracted by the Air Transport Association of America to prepare an independent critical review of the FAA's decision in August 1996, to reclassify the weight categories which govern the IFR wake turbulence separations between aircraft. This reclassification resulted in a loss of runway capacity and severe delays during poor weather at major US airports. FTA's report contained a number of specific recommendations to improve the safety and efficiency of future operations of the ATC system in handling wake turbulence.
New Concepts for ATC 1996-2000	FTA was part of the Honeywell team researching advanced air transportation technologies (AATT) for NASA. This study identified promising elements for the modernization of the global air transportation system. Specifically, FTA provided functional descriptions of advanced ATM system concepts, as well as general consulting help on cost/benefit studies of satellite-based air navigation services.
Wake Vortex System 1993-1995	FTA participated with the VNTSC team on preliminary planning for Wake Vortex Strategies that could provide increased capacity at U.S. airports having closely-spaced parallel runways. This effort included general review of WVS concepts and constraints, and initial development of evaluation criteria. A significant portion of the Phase 1 activity was devoted to identifying and evaluating the potential benefits of WVS concepts for reduced separations on a single runway. Phase 2 focused on two of the most promising Wake Vortex Strategies, as applied to Boston's Logan International Airport and St. Louis International Airport. These involved the implementation of 1�-mile diagonal separations between aircraft on approaches to closely-spaced parallel runways. Two of FTA's computer simulation models were applied. RUNCAP produced estimates of the capacity for the WVS runway configurations and DELAYSIM provided estimates of the benefits of the WVS for reducing aircraft delays.
ATALARS 1988-1989	Under subcontract to the U.S.A.F., FTA worked on the development of a proof-of-concept demonstration of the Automated Tactical Aircraft Launch & Recovery System, which is intended to provide automated ATC capability in a future tactical combat situation using artificial intelligence techniques. FTA developed ATC algorithms for the automated control of returning fighter aircraft, including flight path generation, diversion, separation assurance, and other functions. The ATALARS algorithms were developed for implementation in a knowledge-based system.
MATCALS 1980-1994	FTA provided technical and modeling support to the USN and Georgia Tech for development of the Marine Air Traffic Control and Landing System. The initial effort entailed in-depth investigation and system specification for automated decision making for control of traffic in the terminal area. An Automated Management and Control system concept was developed, and automation functions required to implement such a system were identified and analyzed. Theoretical algorithms were evolved to optimize the operation of the ATC system and to generate flight plans for arriving and departing aircraft. Prototype software for these functions was designed and implemented. To test these functions, a realistic terminal area ATC simulation facility (TASIM) was developed, which contains a man-machine interface with multiple controller positions and real-time processing. A micro computer version of TASIM was developed to permit analyses of the dynamic logic of the radar tracker, as well as hazard-detection and conflict alert functions. The computer models have been used for extensive evaluation and enhancement of these and various other MATCALS automated features.
Environmental Projects and Other Studies
Wisconsin Airport System Forecasts 2002-2003	FTA is preparing aviation activity forecasts for the Wisconsin State Airport System Plan airports. The forecasts will project commercial enplanements, cargo and mail volume, based aircraft, and aircraft operations for the next 30 years. Multiple forecast methodologies are being employed, including time-series, regression and share analysis. A consolidated Excel spreadsheet model will be developed to present the forecast results and to allow WisDOT personnel to update them in the future.
WisDOT ABC System 1999-2000	FTA teamed with Economic Development Research Group and Cambridge Systematics to update the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's (WisDOT) Airport Benefit-Cost System. The database system is designed to assist WisDOT with statewide airport investment planning. The system determines the economic impact of an airport on both the surrounding community and the state as a whole, and can also be used to analyze the costs and benefits of individual airport projects.
Philadelphia Noise Measurements 1997	FTA was retained by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (FRBB) to analyze the noise impacts of moving the Blue Zone hub of the Interdistrict Transportation System from Teterboro to Philadelphia. FTA performed on-site noise measurements at sensitive locations near the airfield and calibrated the noise 'footprint' of the Mitsubishi MU-2 aircraft. The FAA's Integrated Noise Model and FTA's ground noise model were used to estimate the incremental impacts of the ITS hub operations on the neighboring communities. Two alternative scenarios were examined: using the short cross-wind runway for ITS landings and takeoffs, and using the main parallel runways also used by larger jet carriers.
Pease Part 150 Study 1991-1995	As the prime contractor to the Pease Development Authority, FTA assembled a team to perform a Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study for the Pease International Tradeport. FTA inventoried operations and facilities at Pease, and prepared forecasts of several possible future scenarios of air transportation activity at Pease. Noise exposure maps and land use patterns were projected and analyzed. A range of mitigation measures to reduce future noise impacts were identified and evaluated. A noise compatibility program and implementation plan were prepared to guide the airport's future development. A public process based on extensive community involvement was a key component of this project. The Part 150 Study was submitted to and approved by the FAA.
Airline Property Tax Forecasts 1996	FTA and Economic Development Research (EDR) were contracted by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) to develop forecasts of airline property taxes. These taxes are the main source for state aviation funding, and reliable forecasts of future year tax revenues are required for WisDOT to make planning and funding decisions. The tax revenues are dependent upon the total value of each airline operating in Wisconsin, the allocation of that value to the state, and the statewide average tax rate. FTA developed time-series, scenario-based, and behavior-based forecasts of the Wisconsin airline value allocation for the next ten years. These forecasts allowed EDR to estimate the range of total airline property tax revenue WisDOT could expect in the future.
STL Capacity/Delay 1996	In response to a major air carrier's concern about a proposed new parallel runway at St. Louis, FTA conducted an in-depth analysis of the airport's new Master Plan. FTA applied the FLAPS and DELAYSIM models to complete a capacity and delay analysis of several runway configurations. An analysis of crossings of the proposed runway by taxiing aircraft was also performed to determine the need for a new parallel taxiway which was not included in the Master Plan.
CA High Speed Rail 1995	FTA was a member of the study team that examined the benefits of alternative routes for a high-speed rail system between northern and southern California. In a relatively modest scope, FTA provided inputs and review of the current and future aviation system with which the proposed ground services would compete or complement.
Heliport Study 1993	For the VNTSC, FTA completed a requirements analysis for a specialized helipad facility. The pad was to be located on a slope, from which helicopters would be towed into a hanger. FTA provided a complete list of mandatory requirements, possible options, and cost estimates for lighting, approach aids, navigational aids and safety equipment. The study also included a description of several possible methods of moving helicopters between the pad and the enclosed hanger.
Washington State Trans. 1992	FTA participated in the evaluation of Air Transportation Policy Options in the state of Washington for the AIRTRAC. Air transportation activity, plans and issues in Washington's Central Puget Sound Region were reviewed. The feasibility of several alternative policy options for air transportation were evaluated, including future high-capacity aircraft, reliever airports, and wayport facilities.
NYC E.60th Street Heliport 1991-1992	For the City of New York, FTA and Edwards and Kelcey Engineers, Inc., teamed to complete a new master plan for the East 60th Street Heliport. FTA's role included the investigation of alternative arrival and departure routes, flight path capacity, airspace requirements, and the provision of a recommended heliport financial program and fee schedule.
Second Major Airport Study 1990-1991	FTA was a key member of the consulting team selected by the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission to conduct the preliminary site selection for a second major airport in the Boston region. The study defined the site selection criteria, convened a review panel, generated the inventory of potential sites, and consecutively narrowed the options to form a short list of candidate sites for subsequent decision-making. The evaluation examined the feasibility and desirability of potential locations based on operational, market catchment, environmental, economic, engineering and other factors. FTA's primary responsibilities included relative market demand for alternative sites, preliminary economic benefits, and assessment of airspace and other aeronautical issues.
Pease AFB Redevelopment 1990	FTA supported the Bechtel team in preparing a comprehensive redevelopment plan for the Pease AFB when the USAF retired the base in 1991. The redevelopment team examined a wide range of aviation and non-aviation uses for the facility. FTA's principal role in the project involved the assessment of the range of aviation demand over the next twenty years. Preliminary forecasts of general aviation, commuter, air carrier, cargo, maintenance, and special purpose activities were prepared for each of several development alternatives.
FAA STPG Human Factors 1989	FTA provided support for a Scientific Task Planning Group (STPG) set up by the Federal Aviation Administration with the purpose of developing a national plan for aviation human factors research. This STPG concentrated on human factors issues in air traffic control. Issues that were investigated include impacts of automation on controllers, controller behavior, selection/training/certification of ATC personnel, and safety monitoring of ATC activities. In a series of meetings, specific human factors problems were identified. Ongoing research was documented, and a course of action was recommended. The final report was then incorporated into the National Human Factors Plan, which was presented to the public by the FAA Administrator at a conference dedicated to this effort.
Manhattan Tilt Rotor Study 1989-1992	FTA conducted a feasibility study and preliminary design of a Manhattan vertiport for civil tiltrotor service. Tiltrotor aircraft characteristics and vertiport requirements were defined, and a screening process was used to identify promising sites in Manhattan. The market demand for tiltrotor service was estimated through the year 2015. The demand analysis included an investigation of the relative demand for tiltrotor services, to help identify the optimum site from a demand perspective. A significant aspect of the study involved designing ATC procedures to allow tiltrotor operations to access a Manhattan site without conflicting with the conventional traffic in the congested New York metroplex. Three sites were identified for detailed analysis, including passenger demand, conceptual layouts, airspace and ATC procedures, terminal plans and cost estimates, environmental effects, and regulatory issues.
JFK Facility Plan 1988-1989	FTA worked with Thompson Consultants International to prepare a new facility master plan for TWA's international and domestic terminals at JFK Airport in New York. The study team conducted an analysis of current facilities and operations. FTA prepared a detailed simulation of passenger and baggage flows through the terminals to evaluate existing congestion and level of service standards. Working with TCI, FTA used the simulation model to evaluate and refine new terminal design concepts and a phased terminal development program compatible with future TWA forecasts and the JFK-2000 plan.
FRB Check Delivery 1986-2000	FTA was retained by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston to provide technical assistance with the Interdistrict Transportation System (ITS). ITS is a network of hub-and-spoke systems that transport the Federal Bank's canceled checks and other time-critical financial instruments around the country overnight. FTA analyzed the schedule, routing and payload requirements for ITS to establish the aircraft specifications for each of the hub-and-spoke systems and for the inter-hub connecting routes. FTA assisted the Bank in evaluating the proposals of prospective fleet operators, and prepared expert witness testimony to defend the Bank against legal challenges.