FAQ's Frequently
Asked Questions

iStock_000017227049Medium_which way figureNow that we’re rolling on the Environmental Assessment, we’re starting to get questions about the EA process and other project related questions. Hopefully you’ll find answers to your questions here.

If not, please contact us directly.  We’ll work hard to get answers posted as soon as possible.

 

A:  The size of aircraft using the runway is a decision made by the pilot based on the available runway length and conditions combined with the performance criteria of the aircraft.  Since the length of the runway has not changed and its physical condition continues to deteriorate, it is unlikely that the size of the aircraft using the airport has increased over the past ten years.

Even though the size of aircraft has likely not changed, there may be a change in fleet mix or a change in the number of operations.  The fleet mix is a description of the type of aircraft operating at the airport.  Later in the Environmental Assessment (EA) project, the project team will have more information on both the past, current and projected/future number of operations and on the type of aircraft operating at the airport.

Q: Since there have been no major accidents on the runway in the past 10 years, isn't the runway pretty safe as it is?

A:  The FAA assesses safety in a number of ways.  The primary focus of this study is to assess the method to meet the required compliance for the Runway Safety Area.  FAA Order 5200.8 is titled Runway Safety Area Program.  The Order establishes the program description and the steps that will be taken to implement the program.  .  Part of the Purpose and Need of the Environmental Assessment is to enhance the Runway Safety Areas per FAA requirements, with the ultimate goal of fully compliant Runway Safety Areas (RSAs) at the Airport.

The RSA dimensions are established in AC 150/5300-13, Airport Design and are based on the operational and physical characteristics of the aircraft operating at the airport.  The RSA is intended to provide a measure of safety in the event of an aircraft’s excursion from the runway by significantly reducing the extent of personal injury and aircraft damage during overruns, undershoots and veer-offs.

Q: Is the real purpose of the project to be able to land bigger, larger airplanes at the airport?

A:  The purpose of the project is to address the deteriorating pavement condition on the runway and, as stated in the project’s Purpose and Need, to provide 5,500 feet of runway pavement for takeoff in both directions.  While this is slightly longer than the current 5,102’ runway length, the 2010 Airport Master Plan justified a runway extension to 6,000’ to meet the needs of the aircraft currently using the airport.  Aircraft currently using the airport compensate for the shorter runway length by carrying less weight than their full capacity.  The additional 400’ of runway length will allow aircraft currently using the airport to carry some additional weight in fuel, passengers or cargo but some may still have weight limitations.  Q:  When will residents be contacted about the environmental assessment (EA) project that started in December?

Public involvement is an important part of the EA project at the Cuyahoga County Airport.  Although there are no plans for direct mailings to area property owners, there is a significant emphasis on outreach efforts.  The project team visited with local officials on December 19, 2012 and shared information about the upcoming website through a fact sheet and business cards.  A project website was launched in early January 2013.  A public notice was put in two newspapers in the area approximately one month ahead of the first informational open house meeting that was held on February 27, 2013 and articles appeared in the Sun News and the Plain Dealer in February.  Information was provided to local communities to insert in community newsletters.  Interested people can sign up to receive regular e-mail updates by visiting the project website at www.cuyahoga-airportEA.com.

Q: Is there a place to see all of the comments about the project submitted by residents and operators?
Q: My property is next to the airport property. How do I know if my family will be displaced because of the changes at the airport?

A:  The best way to know what is going on with the Environmental Assessment is to sign up for the email list.  This will provide regular updates and will include notices about public meetings.  The EA will be an multi-month project.  The next public meeting is tentatively planned for fall 2013. At that time there will be specific information about the impacts of each alternative being considered.

Owners of property directly adjacent to the airport are encouraged to communicate their opinion about property acquisition with the project team through the website’s comment page.

Q: Can you be more specific about why the current Runway Safety Area (RSA) does not comply with FAA requirements??

A:  The 2010 Master Plan answers this question this way: For ARC D-II design aircraft, FAA standards require the RSA to be 500 feet wide and extend 1,000 feet beyond each end of the runway or stopway, if present. A 500-foot wide RSA at Cuyahoga County Airport extends only about 400 feet beyond the end of the Runway 6 stopway and 125 feet beyond the end of the Runway 24.

Put another way, the RSA is wide enough to meet FAA requirements but is significantly shorter than the 1,000 feet required off each runway end. Each of the alternatives being considered shows the required RSA location on the drawing. Alternatives 23 and Alternative 24 use EMAS to shorten the distance required off of the runway end(s). The first newsletter includes information about EMAS.