T.F. Green Airport Improvement Program - FEIS Chapters - PVD

T.F. Green Airport Improvement ProgramEnvironmental Impact Statement and Final Section 4(f) Evaluation2.3.1.2 Taxiway CThe centerline of Taxiway C is 300 feet from the centerline of Runway 16-34. FAA design standards for ARC C-IVfacilities require 400 feet of lateral separation between the centerlines of runways and their associated paralleltaxiways to enhance the safety of airfield operations. 66 The existing separation does not meet current FAA airportdesign standards. Therefore, a separation of an additional 100 feet needs to be provided between Taxiway C andRunway 16-34 to meet current FAA airport design standards.2.3.1.3 Hangar No. 1Hangar No. 1 is located within the Runway 16-34 OFA. The runway OFA is an area on the ground centered on therunway centerline free of objects, except for objects that need to be located within the runway OFA for airnavigation (navigational aids) or aircraft ground maneuvering purposes (airfield signage). 67 FAA AdvisoryCircular 150/5300-13, Change 15, section 307 states that “the runway OFA clearing standard requires clearing theOFA of above ground objects protruding above the runway safety area edge elevation.” Hangar No. 1 protrudesabove the runway safety area edge elevation within the Runway 16-34 OFA, and needs to be removed to meetcurrent FAA airport design standards and enhance the safety of airfield operations.The 2002 T.F. Green Airport Master Plan Update and subsequent airspace studies 68 also identified Hangar No.1 as anobstruction to air navigation according to 14 CFR Part 77, Objects Affecting Navigable Airspace. This regulationestablishes protected airspace surfaces around airports to protect navigable airspace from objects and otherobstructions surrounding airports. Hangar No. 1 penetrates the Part 77 primary and transitional surfaces. 692.3.2 Efficiency NeedsAs an airport proprietor and operator of one of the three major commercial airports within the eastern NewEngland Region, RIAC’s mission is to provide efficient and convenient facilities to accommodate air transportationdemand within its catchment area. However, several of the Airport’s facilities are inadequate in meeting current oranticipated needs, including the terminal complex, cargo facilities, access roadways, parking facilities, and fuelfarm. Inadequate facilities result in inefficient airfield, landside, and terminal operations at the Airport. Upgradedfacilities are needed to address these inadequacies.Airlines and other aircraft operators can be retained or attracted to the Airport with efficient facilities, which servesRIAC’s mission by providing economic opportunities for the region. In addition, adequate airfield facilities atT.F. Green Airport (in the form of primary runway length) are critical to reduce leakage of passengers to LoganAirport and ensure the efficiency of the New England Regional Airport system. The need for adequate primaryrunway length is defined by a specific market segment - regional passenger demand for non-stop service to WestCoast markets.66 FAA Advisory Circular 150/5300-13, Change 15.67 Ibid, page 2.68 Draft Request for Aeronautical Study for T.F. Green Airport, Edwards and Kelcey, August 15, 2005.69 According to 14 CFR Part 77, the primary surface is centered on the runway centerline, extends 200 feet past the runway end, and its width is 1,000 feet (withthe type of approach instrumentation on Runway 16-34). The transitional surface starts at the end of the primary surface area and extends at a 7:1 slope to thenext protected airspace surface.Chapter 2 – Purpose and Need 2-22 July 2011\\mawatr\ev\09228.00\reports\FEIS_Final_July_2011\PVD_CH02_P&N_JUL_2011.doc