Traffic Count

TowerGuy17

Member
Messages
20
Hello fellow Controllers,


I was having a discussion with some of my fellow controllers regarding our airports “traffic count”. We get a lot of corporate jets of late, and a lot of transitions through the airspace. We were discussing about how it affected us as a whole or the airport as a whole. Does it effect airport potential upgrades, Tower upgrades, lengthening of runways, more hangar space, etc.. there was some mixed reactions to the discussion, so I decided I’d bring it over here to get some opinions.


So what say you? Have you seen an increase or decrease in perks to your airport / facility do to an increase / decrease in traffic count? If so could you share how or what was the impact.

Thanks in advance and keep em separated!!
TowerGuy17
 
Most of the things you listed would be better suited for the airport operations/board folks. If you were really bored you could find the airport master plan on the airports website to see what kind of things they're looking to add/upgrade.

Short answer to the question though: Yes/No/Maybe.

The airport I'm at had some interest from a low cost carrier and all of a sudden construction started to improve certain aspects, getting surveys done to get a new tower, strengthening taxiways, etc. So it really depends on what the business is and how much it revenue it could potentially produce.
 
Most of the things you listed would be better suited for the airport operations/board folks. If you were really bored you could find the airport master plan on the airports website to see what kind of things they're looking to add/upgrade.

Short answer to the question though: Yes/No/Maybe.

The airport I'm at had some interest from a low cost carrier and all of a sudden construction started to improve certain aspects, getting surveys done to get a new tower, strengthening taxiways, etc. So it really depends on what the business is and how much it revenue it could potentially produce.
I will believe it when I see it., mean while I will be dodging packs of wild dogs on the trail lol.
 
Hello fellow Controllers,


I was having a discussion with some of my fellow controllers regarding our airports “traffic count”. We get a lot of corporate jets of late, and a lot of transitions through the airspace. We were discussing about how it affected us as a whole or the airport as a whole. Does it effect airport potential upgrades, Tower upgrades, lengthening of runways, more hangar space, etc.. there was some mixed reactions to the discussion, so I decided I’d bring it over here to get some opinions.


So what say you? Have you seen an increase or decrease in perks to your airport / facility do to an increase / decrease in traffic count? If so could you share how or what was the impact.

Thanks in advance and keep em separated!!
TowerGuy17
Every single tower operation is relevant to things like upgrades. If you look at the back of the Slate book, you'll see the TCI formula and how much each operation "weighs" in terms of complexity.

In short, IFRs weigh more than VFRs. Three-letter call signs weigh more than November.

Overfliguts count for very little, but still count toward your overall operations.

As far as the airport is concerned, they don't give a shit about overflights. They use airport operations (different from tower operations) for their planning models. If you are seeing an uptick of corporate jets, they are seeing it too and if they haven't done so already, they will be using it for their long term forecasts. Maybe another FBO is in the works or they will expand current facilities.

As far as tower upgrades are concerned, don't hold your breath as this is typically an FAA matter. Airports have been known to pay for new towers, but I wouldn't bet on it.

The airport I work at has been growing so fast, airport management has revised their master plan to plan for commercial airlines and completely rebuilding the airport to accommodate projected traffic levels.
 
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