Airport Master Plan 2012 - City of Waterville

Aprons used for based aircraft should be located separately from those used for transient aircraft. Since
the actual number and type of based aircraft is known, the area needed for each based aircraft is smaller
than for that of transient aircraft. Airport design criteria set forth in Advisory Circular 150/5300-13
recommends 300 square yards of apron for each based aircraft and 360 square yards for each transient
aircraft. The 300 square yards requirement is considered adequate for all single and light twin airplanes.
The analysis considered the locations of the current based aircraft and transient aircraft aprons and how
those locations meet future parking and operational needs. The space needs outlined in Chapter 3, Facility
Requirements were used to size alternative apron expansions proposed to fulfill the anticipated
unconstrained aircraft parking deficiencies over the study period.
However, since the facility requirements considered all apron areas regardless of their condition, Chapter
3 suggested that the WVL currently has enough aircraft apron area to support the forecasted based and
transient aircraft through the year 2017. Since the Alternatives Analysis is constrained, the alternatives
must take into consideration the actual condition of existing infrastructure and assess which areas are
currently usable and determine what needs rehabilitation.
Since the Telford Apron is not available for use due to its poor condition, the total area of the Telford
Apron has been subtracted from the surplus shown in the Facility Requirements and added to the
deficiency. These calculations reveal that a total of approximately 16 to 19 tie-down spaces or 5,530
square yards of apron space may be needed by 2027. Cumulative aircraft parking apron deficiencies are
forecasted as follows:
2007 – 970 sq. yds (approx. 3 to 4 tie-down spaces)
2012 – 2,740 sq. yds (approx. 8 to 10 tie-down spaces)
2017 – 3,550 sq. yds (approx. 10 to 12 tie-down spaces)
2027 – 5,530 sq. yds (approx. 16 to 19 tie-down spaces)
The Alternatives to be considered include:
A0: No-Build (Status Quo)
A1: Construct phase II of the current terminal area apron. See Figure A1
A2: Rehabilitate the former Telford apron. See Figure A2
A3: Expand current Terminal Apron to accommodate Based Aircraft. See Figure A3
A4: If Runway 14-32 closes, and Corporate Hangar or FBO Development occurs, expand and use
the approach end of Runway 14 for Apron construction. See Figure A4
A0: No-Build (Status Quo)
Continues an undesirable situation where the Airport operates with a deficiency of useable paved parking
area compared to existing and forecasted airport activity.
A1: Construct Phase II of the current Terminal Apron Area
Phase II of the Terminal Apron has already been designed and provides for 6,600 sq. yds of apron
area capable of supporting large corporate aircraft.
This project is considered “Shovel Ready” and should be eligible for stimulus funding.
The construction of 6,600 sq. yds of apron, depending on aircraft parking configuration may be
capable of accommodating WVL‟s apron requirements through 2017.
The City of Waterville Maine
Alternatives Analysis – Page 4-7
Airport Solutions Group, LLC & The Louis Berger Group, Inc. December 2011