AVIATION PROGRAMS

Airport planning may be done on an area-wide or individual airport basis, with input from local officials. Area-wide planning includes preparation of airport system plans for states, regions and metropolitan areas. These plans identify the aviation facilities needed to meet current and future air transportation needs. Grants for airport system planning are made to planning agencies having area-wide jurisdiction over the area being studied. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) uses this information in preparing the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems.

Essential Air Service

This program was put into place to guarantee that small communities that were served by certificated air carriers before the passage of the Airline Deregulation Act in 1978 maintain a minimal level of scheduled air service. The Department currently subsidizes commuter airlines to serve approximately 100 rural communities across the country that otherwise would not receive any scheduled air service.

Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR 21)

This new, major aviation legislation increases the Small Airport Fund, guarantees funding for General Aviation Airports, and allows pavement maintenance projects to be funded under the Airport Improvement Program at no primary airports.