Analysis of Vertiport Studies Funded by the Airport Improvement Program (AIP)
Abstract
It is expected that advanced vertical flight (AVF) aircraft such as the civil tiltrotor (CTR) will become viable, important vehicles for the relief of both ground and airport congestion. Furthermore, it is expected this will lead to expanded use of rotorcraft for scheduled passenger service. To prepare for this eventuality, the FAA in 1988 funded a program of vertiport feasibility studies. Thirteen locations. encompassing a range of cities, states, and regions, applied for and received funds. Canada conducted their own study. The purpose of these studies was to facilitate the use of AVF aircraft by identifying areas in the United States where the potential for missions using these aircraft is greatest so that infrastructure requirements could be identified and implemented in a timely manner. This report evaluates the fourteen studies to portray an overview of the status of potential scheduled passenger service and required vertiport development within the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. The report also evaluates the methodologies and assumptions used in these studies to reach conclusions regarding the feasibility of AVF aircraft service in these areas. Most studies concluded that the primary mission would be short-haul passenger service between city centers and major urban areas. Some studies, particularly in the lesser developed areas (Puerto Rico and Alaska), concluded that small package delivery and cargo missions were also feasible. Final conclusions and recommendations include suggestions for planning guidelines specifically for vertiports/large heliports developed primarily for passenger operations. Vertiport Study Intermodal Multi-Use Planning Demand Scheduled Commuter AVF Aircraft Passenger Service.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA283249
Entities
People
- Brian M. Sawyer
- Clifford R. Bragdon
- Deborah J. Peisen
- J. R. Ludders
- Linda J. Labelle
- Richard J. Dyment
- Robert M. Winick
- Samuel W. Ferguson
- Stephen V. Berardo
- William T. Sampson