Hanover County Municipal Airport Master Plan

Hanover County Municipal Airport is updating it's master plan, outlining future improvements and development.

Background

The Airport Master Plan (AMP) Update for Hanover County Municipal Airport (OFP) is intended to provide a framework for future development that will cost-effectively satisfy aviation demand and safety requirements, while also considering potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts.

The AMP determines adequate timing of proposed airport improvements which are incorporated into a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) that outlines development projects over a 20-year planning period, and simultaneously incorporates those projects into an Airport Layout Plan (ALP) set to graphically depict existing, future and ultimate conditions. The AMP, as adopted by the Hanover County Board of Supervisors and acceptable to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV), enables the Airport sponsor to apply for funding for those capital improvements as eligible under the federal and state airport programs.

Process

The process of updating the Airport Master Plan includes the following phases:

Inventory of Existing Conditions: document ongoing issues and create a baseline for development
- The data collection phase provides the master planning team with a comprehensive understanding of the Airport’s strengths and weaknesses, which is critical for developing a functional plan for future growth. The inventory serves as the foundation for all future projects and developments.
Aviation Activity Forecast: model and project airport activity to assist in identification of facility requirements
- Forecasting future aviation activity levels is crucial for determining the adequacy of proposed facilities. Comprehensive aviation forecasts factor in historical growth, industry trends, socioeconomic factors and more. The OFP Master Plan Update forecasts undergo thorough review and approval by both the Federal Aviation Administration and the Virginia Department of Aviation.
Facility Requirements and Demand/Capacity Analysis: utilize forecasts to determine facility sizing to accommodate projected activity levels
Alternatives Evaluation: development and analysis of alternatives for improvements to the deficient areas identified in the inventory and demand/capacity analysis
Environmental Overview: assess alternatives for environmental and socioeconomic impacts
Implementation/Financial Planning: provide preliminary project phasing and a guide for funding based on the selected alternative
Agency Review and Board of Supervisors Adoption

Stakeholder Involvement

Given the crucial role of communities with enhancing airport success, several stakeholder involvement methods are used throughout this project, including:

Airport Users Committee: key representatives with intimate technical knowledge of Hanover County Municipal Airport
Community Outreach Group: representatives of surrounding communities tasked with assisting to update airport neighbors.
Public Information Meetings: open to all members of the community interested in receiving project updates