M A S T E R   P L A N


Section 1

INVENTORY

In order to produce a practicable and adequate plan for future growth, it is essential to understand the framework within which an airport exists. An initial task within this Master Plan Update study consists of gathering data to provide a clear definition of the Airport’s aviation environment, including facilities, users, and activity levels. This background data serves as the foundation for ensuing analyses.


1.1 AIRPORT LOCATION, ROLE, AND MARKET AREA


1.1.1 Airport Location


As illustrated in Figure 1-1, the Athens-Ben Epps Airport is located in Clarke County Georgia, approximately three miles east of the City of Athens. Athens is located approximately 50 miles east-northeast of Atlanta, between Gainesville and Augusta, on the banks of the Oconee River near the Oconee National Forest.


Primary highway access to the Airport is provided via U.S. 78 (Lexington Road), along the south side of the Airport and continues into the Athens Central Business District. The Airport can also be accessed from the east via Beaverdam Road or from the west via Winterville Road. In addition to U.S. 78, GA 316, U.S. 29, GA 106, and U.S. 441 are also located in the vicinity of the Airport.

Figure 1-1

Location Map


Click picture for larger version

 

1.1.2 Airport Role


The Athens-Ben Epps Airport is publicly owned and operated. The facility currently serves as the area’s only commercial service airport, while providing a home to general aviation operators and transient business and pleasure flyers. Additionally, the Airport is a noted fuel stop for transient military operators.


Athens-Ben Epps Airport is included in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) as a commercial service (airline service) airport. The Georgia Statewide Aviation System Plan (GSASP) classifies the Airport as a commercial service airport. This document further recognizes the Airport’s importance in serving both state and regional aviation needs.

1.1.3 Airport Market Area


In 1997 a detailed analysis was performed in an effort to characterize the commercial service and general aviation market areas for the Airport. This analysis has been reviewed and incorporated as appropriate in this Section. A more detailed report is included as Appendix VII.


As illustrated in Figure 1-2 and for the purposes of this study, the Athens-Ben Epps Airport is considered to have both a commercial service and general aviation market area. The commercial service market area consists of Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Gwinnett, Hart, Jackson, Madison, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe, and Walton Counties. Although Gwinnett County is located approximately midway between the Airport and Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport (ATL), driving time from Gwinnett County to Athens-Ben Epps Airport is estimated to be half that between Gwinnett County and ATL. The commercial service market area consists of a diameter of approximately 80 statute miles. This analysis considers an assessment of actual originating enplanements (by county) using the Airport, as well as the influence of other competing airports offering scheduled airlines service.


With regard to the general aviation market area, two market areas have been established. Market Area A, the primary market area, considers the 30-minute driving time isocronical, which has then been adjusted in consideration of the locations of other neighboring airports. Market Area A is considered the primary market area for the Airport because all types of general aviation activity can be marketed in this geographical area without undue competition from neighboring airports.


Market Area B, the secondary market area for the Airport, considers the superior facilities in place at the AHN. These facilities include a primary runway length of 5,522 feet, a crosswind runway length of 4,000 feet, a precision (ILS) instrument approach, and an automated weather reporting facility (ASOS). Since none of the neighboring airports, with the exception of Winder, can offer near equivalent facilities, Market Area B considers that some general aviation airport users will drive farther and bypass neighboring airports to gain access to the superior facilities available at Athens/Ben Epps Airport. This is especially true for business and corporate general aviation airport users that require at least a 5,000-foot runway length and precision instrument approach capabilities to conduct operations.


Primary Market Area A includes Clarke County, Oconee County, and the inner portions of Jackson, Madison, and Oglethorpe Counties. Secondary Market Area B includes major portions of Jackson, Madison, Oglethorpe, and Morgan Counties, as well as the inner portions of Elbert, Walton, and Greene Counties. The portion of Greene County that contains the Oconee National Forest is not included in the Market Area, as it will remain undeveloped.


1.2 ACTIVITY PROFILE


There are a variety of activity types at an airport, including air carrier, air taxi, local general aviation, itinerant general aviation, and military.

Figure 1-2

Airport Market Area


Click picture for larger version


An air carrier operation is defined as a takeoff or landing of an air carrier aircraft and includes the period of time 15 minutes before and until 15 minutes after the takeoff or landing and an air taxi operation is conducted by an aircraft operated by the holder of an Air Taxi Operating Certificate, which authorizes the carriage of passengers, mail, or cargo for revenue in accordance with FAR Parts 135 and 121. Local operations, as defined by the FAA, are arrivals and departures of aircraft which operate in the local traffic pattern and are known to be departing for or arriving from flights in local practice areas within a 20-mile radius of the airport; plus simulated instrument approaches or low passes at the airport executed by any aircraft." Conversely, itinerant operations are defined as all aircraft arrivals and departures other than local operations. General aviation is defined as that portion of civil aviation that encompasses all facets of aviation except air carriers holding a certificate of convenience and necessity from the Civil Aeronautics Board, and large aircraft commercial operators.


Based on discussions with Airport representatives, current activity consists of 73,964 annual operations. The breakdown of annual operations by activity type is as follows: 16 air carrier; 1,970 air taxi; 36,278 local general aviation; 34,065 itinerant general aviation; and 1,635 military. In addition, there are currently 109 aircraft based at the Airport including 84 single engine, 16 multi-engine, 8 jets, and 1 helicopter. The most current full year of Airport data indicates that 11,234 enplanements were experienced.


US Airways Express currently provides daily airline service between Athens and Charlotte, North Carolina.


1.3 EXISTING AIRPORT FACILITIES


A high altitude, aerial photograph was obtained on August 1, 1997, as part of this Master Plan Update. This photograph encompasses the Airport and adjacent areas and was utilized in conjunction with other sources to inventory land use and existing facilities. Existing facilities located on Airport property are depicted on Figure 1-3 and described in the following subsections.


1.3.1 Runways and Taxiways


The Airport is served by two paved runways (grooved asphalt), as shown on Figure 1-3. Runway 9/27 is 5,522 feet long and 100 feet wide and is considered the primary runway. The crosswind or secondary runway, Runway 2/20, is 4,000 feet long and 100 feet wide.


Runway 9/27 is equipped with a partial parallel taxiway, Taxiway A, which is 50 feet wide and located 400 feet north of the runway centerline. In the vicinity of the terminal area (between Taxiway A3 and B3) Taxiway A shifts to a 600/650-foot separation from the runway centerline and follows the apron edge. Runway 9/27 has a network of entrance and exit taxiways.


Runway 2/20 is equipped with a partial parallel taxiway, Taxiway B, which is 35 feet wide and located approximately 200 feet west of the runway centerline. In addition to a network of entrance and exit taxiways, Runway 2/20 access is provided by Taxiways B3 and B4.

1.3.2 Pavement Strength



For scheduled operations Runway 9/27 and Runway 2/20 have a load-bearing capacity of 40,000 pounds for aircraft with a single-wheel landing configuration and 45,000 pounds for aircraft with a dual-wheel landing configuration. However, the pavement can support operations by heavier aircraft on occasion, such as the C-130, DC-9, B-737, and the Gulfstream II, III, IV, and V.

Figure 1-3

Existing Facilities



Click picture for larger version



1.3.3 Airfield Lighting, NAVAIDS, and Automated Surface Observation System


The Airport is currently equipped with various navigational aids (NAVAIDs) and lighting systems to allow both nighttime and instrument flight rules (IFR) aircraft operations. These existing facilities are generally depicted on Figure 1-3 and are described below.


Airfield Lighting

Runway 9/27 and Runway 2/20 are equipped with medium intensity runway lighting (MIRL). All taxiways are equipped with medium intensity taxiway lighting (MITL). Runways 9 and 20 are equipped with a precision approach path indicator (PAPI-4). PAPI is a system of lights, which provides visual descent guidance information during an approach to a runway. Runway 27 is equipped with runway end identifier lights (REIL) and an omnidirectional approach lighting system (ODALS). REIL provides pilots with a positive indication of the location of each runway end. ODALS provide omnidirectional orientation by visual vectoring with remote control of light intensity from the cockpit and the tower/flight service facility. Runways 2 and 27 are equipped with a visual approach slope indicator (VASI-4). VASI provides vertical visual approach slope guidance to aircraft during approach to landing.


NAVAIDS

The Airport is currently equipped with the following landing and navigational aids (NAVAIDS): instrument landing system (ILS) approach to Runway 27, very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR)/distance measuring equipment (DME), area navigation (RNAV) or global positioning system (GPS) approach to Runways 9 and 20, VOR or GPS approach to Runway 2, VOR approach to Runway 27 and a non-directional beacon (NDB) and global positioning system (GPS) approach to Runway 27. In addition, the Airport is currently equipped with a lighted wind indicator, segmented circle, and a rotating beacon.


Automated Surface Observation System

An automated surface observation system (ASOS) is located approximately 750 feet south of Runway 9/27, at its midpoint. The ASOS provides continuous minute-by-minute weather observations. It provides weather observations, which include: temperature, dew point, wind, altimeter setting, visibility, sky condition, and precipitation. ASOS information is broadcast to pilots over a discrete radio frequency. Weather observation information is also sent to the FAA and National Weather Service.


1.3.4 Building and Apron Inventory


In addition to the airfield lighting and NAVAIDS, the Airport complex is comprised of several building and paved parking apron facilities. The primary buildings at the Airport are described in Table 1-1. Additional details about major facilities are provided below. The building identifier numbers utilized in Table 1-1 are keyed to Figure 1-4.


Table 1-1

BUILDING SUMMARY

Athens-Ben Epps Airport

BUILDING IDENTIFIER NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

AREA

1

Sonny’s Air Service

9,600 SF

2

Executive Hangars

6,500 SF

3

Georgia Aviation

5,400 SF

4

US Jets

10,200 SF

5

General Aviation Terminal

8,600 SF

6

T-Hangar

20 Units

7

T-Hangar

16 Units

8

T-Hangar

4 Units

9

T-Hangar

12 Units

10

Air Carrier Terminal

7,860 SF

11

Airport Administration

1,500 SF

12

Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting

1,200 SF

SOURCE: Verified by THE LPA GROUP INCORPORATED.


 

Figure 1-4

Building Inventory


Click picture for larger version


General Aviation Terminal

The general aviation terminal (Building Number 5) is a one-story 8,600 square foot building. This building not only serves as the main general aviation terminal but also includes space reserved for the services provided by Georgia Aviation Inc.


Air Carrier Terminal

The air carrier terminal (Building Number 10) is a one-story building consisting of approximately 7,860 square feet. The terminal building includes airline ticketing space (US Airways Express), baggage claim, a public waiting area, rental car vendor space (Budget and Hertz), public restrooms, secure passenger holding areas, the National Weather Service, concessions, as well as offices and mechanical/building maintenance areas. The terminal building allows for apron level boarding and contains one loading position.


Airport Administration

The airport administration building (Building Number 11) totals approximately 1,500 square feet. This facility consists of office space for the Airport manager and administrative assistant, a conference room, restroom, waiting area, and kitchen.


Apron

The existing apron area is available for air carrier parking, based and transient tie-downs, and hangar maneuvering. Approximately 4,000 square yards is reserved for air carrier parking and approximately 25,100 square yards is reserved for based and transient tie-downs and hangar maneuvering. There are a total of 77 tie-downs, 64 reserved for based aircraft parking (including 31 to be installed in 2002) and 13 reserved for transient aircraft parking.


1.3.5 Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Facilities and Equipment


FAA Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 139 provides guidelines for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) requirements as they pertain to air carrier aircraft. These guidelines require an index determination for each certificate holder. The index is based on a combination of both the length of air carrier aircraft and the number of average daily departures of air carrier aircraft. For the purposes of the index determination, air carrier aircraft are grouped as follows:


The various index levels are predicated on the largest air carrier aircraft within the indicated grouping that makes five or more scheduled departures a day at the airport. Athens-Ben Epps Airport is currently categorized as an Index A airport. As depicted on Figure 1-3, the ARFF facility is located northeast of the general aviation terminal building. The 2-bay facility consists of approximately 1,200 square feet. The Airport's current ARFF equipment includes one rapid response vehicle capable of holding 450 pounds dry chemical and 100 gallons Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF). The ARFF is staffed as needed by employees located at various locations on the Airport.


1.3.6 Fuel Storage


Athens-Clarke county owns and operates the two above ground storage tanks (15,000-gallon 100 LL AVGas and 20,000-gallon Jet A) which are located west of the passenger terminal area and north of Taxiway A, as depicted on Figure 1-4. Fuel is dispersed through the use of trucks. In addition, US Jets has one above ground tank (10,000-gallon Jet A) located east of the passenger terminal area and adjacent to US Jets (Building Number 4).


1.3.7 Vehicle Parking


Air Carrier

Air carrier terminal area parking is available north of the air carrier terminal building and access is provided by Ben Epps Drive. Parking facilities in this area accommodate the public, rental car ready/return, FAA and the National Weather Service (reserved), curbside passenger pick-up and drop-off, and Airport employees. Existing parking areas associated with the air carrier terminal provide approximately 190 spaces.


General Aviation

Vehicle parking for general aviation users is located in several areas on the Airport. Currently, 27 spaces are provided adjacent to the general aviation terminal (Building Number 5). Parking for Sonny’s Air Services consists of approximately nine spaces and is located adjacent to the building (Building Number 1) along Ben Epps Drive. Parking for Georgia Aviation and US Jets consists of approximately 14 shared spaces located along Ben Epps Drive.


Parking facilities for airport administration consist of 11 spaces located adjacent to the airport administration building, along Howard B. Stroud Drive.


1.4 AIRSPACE STRUCTURE


The Athens Ben-Epps Airport and surrounding airspace structure is illustrated in Figure 1-5. Because the Airport has an Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), it is located in Class D Airspace during those hours when the ATCT is open (approximately 8:00AM to 8:00PM local time). Class D Airspace encompasses a radius of some four nautical miles from the center of the Airport, and extends upward from the surface to an elevation of 3,300 feet mean sea level (MSL), or 2,492 feet above Airport elevation. Class D Airspace is shown in Figure 1-5 by the circular dashed blue line surrounding the Airport. Two-way radio communications must be established with the ATCT prior to entry and thereafter maintained when operating in Class D Airspace. In addition, basic visual flight rule (VFR) weather minimums of three statute miles, and a ceiling of 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL) are applicable to this airspace.

Figure 1-5

Airspace Structure


Click picture for larger version


When the ATCT is closed, Class E (surface based) Airspace operating rules apply, which require VFR aircraft to have three statute miles of flight visibility, and maintain clearance from clouds of 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontally. The Class E Airspace has been configured to contain instrument procedures approach areas as shown by the dashed magenta boxes near the Airport in Figure 1-5.


Lastly, Class E (non-surface based) Airspace surrounds the Airport, as shown by the circular magenta area in Figure 1-5. Class E (non-surface based) Airspace begins at 700 feet AGL, and has the same VFR visibility and cloud clearance requirements as Class E (surface based) Airspace.


1.5 WIND COVERAGE


Based on review of the wind persistency data applicable to the Athens Ben-Epps Airport, it has been determined that the present two-runway configuration at the Airport provides greater than the FAA recommended 95 percent wind coverage during all weather conditions. A 10.5-knot, 13-knot, 16-knot, and 20-knot crosswind component was considered. In addition, IFR wind rose data indicates that Runway 2/20 provides 99.26 percent wind coverage, while Runway 9/27 provides 99.64 percent coverage. Combined coverage for all runways total 99.96 percent during IFR weather conditions, well above the required coverage specified by the FAA.


1.6 SOCIOECONOMIC DATA


Statistical data was not updated after work on the Master Plan Update resumed in June 2001, however data previously gathered is presented in Appendix I, "Master Plan Update Aviation Activity Forecasts Technical Paper".


Click here for the Airport Master Plan Table of Contents