HomeMy WebLinkAboutGTUSection4-AirportDevelopmentPlans-Revised AIRPORT MASTER PLAN UPDATE
SECTION FOUR GEORGETOWN MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PLANS GEORGETOWN, TEXAS
This section provides a development plan for Georgetown Municipal Airport (GTU). The consultant
recommends a list of projects along with their sequencing over 20 years: short-term (0-5 years),
intermediate term (5-10 years), and long-term (10-20 years). The projects and sequencing are
reflected in Exhibits 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3. It is important to note that the exhibits represent the
consultant's recommended phasing of projects, but do not in all cases reflect the City's policy for
airport development. Some projects depicted in the exhibits fall into the category of projects for
which the City has no current plans or intention to fund or seek funding and therefore may not be
completed within the time frame shown on the exhibits.
These proposals were derived to meet anticipated aviation facility demands under the “W/O NCTA
& W/ATCT” scenario, as shown in Section Three, Future Facility Requirements. The development
costs associated with each project are included in this section.
Also addressed in this section are the existing airspace and ground conditions that might constrain the
development of the airport, and the corresponding recommendations. Additionally, the Airport
Layout Plan (ALP) drawings are briefly discussed in this section.
There are two types of projects recommended: (1) items relating to the safe and efficient
management of the airport, and (2) projects needed to provide aircraft parking, storage, and
maintenance.
Under (1) the following projects are recommended: construct ATCT, construct taxiway serving
Runway 11-29 (35 feet wide), construct then extend parallel taxiway (35 feet wide), relocate self
fueling station, relocate AWOS, relocate windcone and segmented circle, construct emergency road,
construct stub taxiways, land acquisition, install PAPI-4, relocate fencing, install signage.
Under (2) and under the “W/O NCTA & W/ATCT” scenario, there is a projected need over 20 years
for 114 more hangars and 35 tie-down spaces. The recommendation over 20 years is for 8
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.1
storage/maintenance hangars totaling 117,900 square feet, 2 storage buildings totaling 9,400 square
feet, 8 T-Hangars (one 8-unit, one 10-unit, one 12-unit, one 14-unit, and four 16-unit), and a 32,380
square yard parking apron. All of these could be developed on the east side of the airport. The
numbers for W/NCTA are lower: projected need for 23 hangars and 6 tie-downs.
These recommendations, based on the City’s current plans and intentions, can be divided into three
categories:
• Those projects related to the safe and efficient management of the airport, which the City
plans to implement as FAA/TxDOT grants become available (these are shown, with projected
costs, in Tables 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3);
• Those projects related to the safe and efficient management of the airport, which the City
does not plan to implement, unless it alters its plans and intentions at a later date (these are
listed, with projected costs but without project dates in Table 4.4); and
• Those projects related to aircraft parking, storage and maintenance, which the City does not
plan to implement, but can be developed by private investment on leased airport land as
shown on the ALP (these are listed with projected costs but without project dates, since they
will be developed on a “as desired” basis, in Table 4.5).
Category One:
Projects related to the safe and efficient management of the airport, which the City plans to
implement as FAA/TxDOT grants become available.
4.1 SHORT-TERM DEVELOPMENT PLAN
During the short-term development period (0-5 years), the following projects will be implemented, as
grants are available (see Table 4.1):
• Construction of the ATCT, for which FAA/TxDOT grants funds have been approved, the
design and construction consultant engaged, and the site selected.
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.2
• Construct a full-length taxiway serving 11-29, connecting the southwestern apron with
existing Taxiway “B.” This connection provides a direct taxi route to Runway 11 for traffic
originating from the south side of the terminal. It will encourage pilots to operate on Runway
11-29, which will alleviate heavy traffic on Runway 18-36.
• Relocate AWOS.
• Relocate windcone and segmented circle.
• Install PAPI-4.
• Construct emergency road. This will allow access to the airport from fire station.
• Install signage.
Two other projects, including rehabilitation of airport fencing and rehabilitation of Runway 11-29,
are already listed in the City’s airport improvement plan, and are not included here and in Table 4.1.
As discussed in Section Three, Future Facility Requirements, the available records of Runway 11-29
pavement strength were not consistent. It is recommended that professional pavement testing and
evaluation services be pursued to determine the current pavement strength of Runway 11-29.
Table 4.1 summarizes the estimated short-term development costs of projects in Category 1. It
should be noted that the participation shares shown listed in Table 4.1 were based on the current
federal and state funding programs, and are subject to revision if changes occur in the funding
programs during the short-term development period.
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.3
Table 4.1
Project Development Cost – Short-Term (0-5 Years)
Projects/Actions – Short-Term (0-5 years)
Total Estimated
Cost
TxDOT/ FAA
share Local Share
Construct ATCT $ 1,200,000 $ 1,080,000 $ 120,000
Construct Taxiway Serving Runway 11-29 (35 feet wide) $ 190,000 $ 171,000 $ 19,000
Relocate AWOS $ 12,000 $ 10,800 $ 1,200
Relocate Windcone and Segmented Circle $ 23,000 $ 20,700 $ 2,300
Install PAPI-4 $ 27,000 $ 24,300 $ 2,700
Construct Emergency Road $ 29,000 $ 26,100 $ 2,900
Install Signage $ 11,000 $ 9,900 $ 1,100
SHORT-TERM TOTAL $ 1,492,000 $ 1,342,800 $ 149,200
Note: Estimates are based on Year 2004 dollars
Source: GRW Willis, Inc.
4.2 INTERMEDIATE-TERM DEVELOPMENT PLAN
During the intermediate-term development period (5-10 years), the following projects will be
implemented, as grants are available (see Table 4.2):
• As shown in Exhibit 4.2, a taxiway parallel to Runway 18-36 with a centerline separation of
300 feet will be built, connecting Runway 18 end with the full-length taxiway serving Runway
11-29.
• A new stub taxiway will connect the northern aircraft parking apron with Runway 11-36 by
crossing through the new parallel taxiway. Three pieces of pavement will be added to
Taxiway “A” at the Runway 18 end, to support two-way taxiways at the Runway 18 end. The
taxing route on the Taxiway “A” will be adjusted and marked accordingly. As a result of
these improvements, aircraft taxiing circulation will be significantly improved along the
building line, especially on the aircraft apron.
• Install signage.
Table 4.2 summarizes the estimated intermediate-term development costs of projects in Category 1.
It should be noted that the participation shares shown listed in Table 4.2 were based on the current
federal and state funding programs, and are subject to revision if changes occur in the funding
programs during the short-term development period.
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.5
Table 4.2
Project Development Cost – Intermediate-Term (5-10 Years)
Projects/Actions – Intermediate-Term (5-10 years)
Total Estimated
Cost
TxDOT/ FAA
share Local Share
Construct Parallel Taxiway (35 feet wide) $ 299,000 $ 269,000 $ 29,900
Construct Stub Taxiways (35 feet wide) $ 107,000 $ 96,300 $ 10,700
Install Signage $ 26,000 $ 23,400 $ 2,600
INTERMEDIATE-TERM TOTAL $ 432,000 $ 388,700 $ 43,200
Note: Estimates are based on Year 2004 dollars
Source: GRW Willis, Inc.
4.3 LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT PLAN
During the long-term development period (10-20 years), the following projects will be implemented,
as grants are available (see Table 4.3):
• As shown on Exhibit 4.3, on the airfield side, the parallel taxiway serving Runway 18-36 will
be extended to connect with Runway 36 end. Similar to Runway 18 end, by adding one
piece of pavement to the north edge of Taxiway “A” at the Runway 36 end, a simultaneous
two-way exit/entrance route is established.
• Relocate fencing.
• Install signage.
Table 4.3 summarizes the estimated long-term development costs of projects in Category 1. It
should be noted that the participation shares shown listed in Table 4.3 were based on the current
federal and state funding programs, and are subject to revision if changes occur in the funding
programs during the short-term development period.
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.7
Table 4.3
Project Development Cost – Long-Term (10-20 Years)
Projects/Actions – Intermediate-Term (5-10 years)
Total Estimated
Cost
TxDOT/ FAA
share Local Share
Extend Parallel Taxiway (35 feet wide) $ 392,000 $ 352,800 $ 39,200
Relocate Fencing $ 34,000 $ 30,600 $ 3,400
Install Signage $ 7,000 $ 6,300 $ 700
LONG-TERM TOTAL $ 433,000 $ 389,700 $ 43,300
Note: Estimates are based on Year 2004 dollars
Source: GRW Willis, Inc.
Category Two:
Projects related to the safe and efficient management of the airport, which the City does not
plan to implement, unless it alters it plans and intentions at a later date (these are listed, with
projected costs but without project dates).
4.4 OTHER PROJECTS WITH NO CURRENT PLANS TO BE IMPLEMENTED
The consultant recommends the following projects related to the safe and efficient management of
the airport, which the City has no current plans or intentions of implementing. They are listed with
projected costs but without implementation dates in Table 4.5.
• As shown in Exhibit 4.1, add a total of approximately 32,380 square yards of apron to the
existing aircraft parking apron. If combined with other proposals (especially the relocation of
the Avgas self-fuel stations, below), a total of 57 aircraft tie-downs could be installed on the
paved apron, and aircraft taxiing flow on the apron would be improved. A revised version of
this proposal as related to tie-downs could be developed with private funds, and is included
under 4.6.
• Relocate the Avgas self-fueling stations, which are currently located near the middle of the
existing apron, to the north of the terminal, along with approximately 2,720 square yards of
apron.
• Acquire land (6.9 Acres) within the runway/taxiway Object Free Area (OFA), to be included
in the ultimate airport property. About seven residential land tracts, located along the
northwest airport boundary and adjacent to the ultimate property line, should also be
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.9
acquired by the City. All residential structures and amenities would need to be removed
from these tracts.
While the City has no current plans or intentions to acquire these properties, it will seek to obtain
any that become available for purchase and the City will apply for all appropriate federal and state
funds to assist in the acquisition of these lands.
Additionally, to ensure a safe environment around the airport, the runway protection zones should
be protected. As discussed in Section Three, Future Facility Requirements, it is recommended that as
long-term ultimate development is implemented, the City must acquire avigation easements for all
property within the runway protection zones but outside the ultimate airport property line. All
residential and public gathering facilities within the proposed avigation easements must be removed.
Airport Layout Drawings (ALP), attached in Appendix “C,” illustrates in details the proposed ultimate
airport property and avigation easements.
Table 4.4 summarizes the estimated development costs of projects in Category 2. It should be noted
that the participation shares shown listed in Table 4.4 were based on the current federal and state
funding programs, and are subject to revision if changes occur in the funding programs during the
short-term development period.
Table 4.4
Project Development Cost
Other Projects With No Current Plans to Be Implemented
Projects/Actions
Total Estimated
Cost
TxDOT/ FAA
share Local Share
Consultant’s
Time Frame
Construct Aircraft Parking Apron $ 1,191,000 $ 1,071,900 $ 119,100 Short-term
Relocate Self Fueling Station $ 94,000 $ 84,600 $ 9,400 Short-term
Land Acquisition (6.9 Acres) $ 1,431,000 $ 1,287,900 $ 143,100 Long-term
OTHER PROJECTS TOTAL $ 2,716,000 $ 2,444,400 $ 271,600
Note: Estimates are based on Year 2004 dollars
Source: GRW Willis, Inc.
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.10
Category Three:
Projects related to aircraft parking, storage and maintenance, which the City does not plan to
implement, but can be developed by private investment on leased airport land as shown on the
ALP
4.5 PROJECTS TO PROVIDE AIRCRAFT STORAGE, MAINTENANCE AND PARKING, TO BE
IMPLEMENTED WITH PRIVATE FUNDS
The consultant recommends building a number of box hangars, storage buildings, T-hangars, and tie-
down spaces to accommodate the projected need over 20 years for 114 more hangars and 35 tie-
down spaces under the “W/O NCTA & W/ATCT” scenario: 8 storage/maintenance hangars totaling
117,900 sq. ft., 2 storage buildings totaling 9,400 sq. ft., 8 T-Hangars (one 8-unit, one 10-unit, one
12-unit, one 14-unit, and four 16-unit), and a 32,380 sq. yd. parking apron.
Since the City does not plan to build or develop any aircraft parking (e.g., apron) or
storage/maintenance (T-hangars and hangars), this projected need will be met by private investment
on leased land, and on an “as desired” basis. The Land Use Map provides land for the development
of such projects in four distinct areas on the east side of the airport. Table 4.5 provides estimated
costs for these projects, but without implementation dates.
Table 4.5 summarizes the estimated development costs of projects in Category 3.
Table 4.5
Project Development Cost – Projects To Provide Aircraft Storage,
Maintenance And Parking, To Be Implemented With Private Funds
Projects/Actions Total
Estimated Cost Private Share
Consultant’s Time
Frame
Construct 2 Aircraft Storage/Maintenance Hangars
(15,000 sq. ft., 11,400 sq. ft.)
$ 1,407,000 $ 1,407,000 Short-term
Construct 2 Aircraft Storage/Maintenance Hangars
(total 28,000 sq. ft.)
$ 1,305,000 $ 1,305,000 Intermediate-term
Construct 4 Aircraft Storage/Maintenance Hangars
(total 65,300 sq. ft.)
$ 3,057,000 $ 3,057,000 Long-term
Construct 22 T-hangars (one 10 unit; one 12-unit) $ 1,269,000 $ 1,269,000 Short-term
Construct 30 T-hangars (one 16 unit; one 14 unit) $ 1,058,000 $ 1,058,000 Intermediate-term
Construct 56 T-hangars (three 16 unit; one 8 unit) $ 1,896,000 $ 1,896,000 Long-term
Construct Aircraft Parking Apron (32,380 sq. yds.) $ 1,191,000 $ 1,191,000 Short-term
Construct Storage Building (3,000 sq. ft.) $ 79,000 $ 79,000 Intermediate-term
Construct Storage Building (6,400 sq. ft.) $ 151,000 $ 151,000 Long-term
STORAGE etc. PROJECTS TOTAL $11,413,000 $11,413,000
Note: Estimates are based on Year 2004 dollars
Source: GRW Willis, Inc.
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.11
4.6 OTHER DEVELOPMENT CONSIDERATIONS
4.6.1 Airport Emergency Road
The airport fire fighting and rescue service is provided by the City's Fire Department. Fire
Station #4, which is located at the northeast corner of the airport property along Airport
Road, will be the major respondent to any emergency needs at GTU. The double fencing —
the Fire Station's perimeter fence and the airport 8-foot game fence — separates the Fire
Station #4 from the airport. To respond to emergency calls at the airport, the fire and rescue
vehicles have to drive south on Airport road and enter the airport from one of three airport
entrance gates. No direct emergency road is currently present at the field. The Airport
Advisory Board suggests a direct emergency road to be provided from Fire Station #4 to the
airfield.
This study recommends a new emergency access road in the short-term development plan
directly connecting the Fire Station to the north most hangar apron. The City plans to follow
the recommendations of Airport Emergency Road.
4.6.2 Impervious Coverage
The maximum impervious cover for all development within the City limits over the Edward’s
Aquifer recharge zone is 50%. The City’s Unified Development Code provides the ability to
increase impervious coverage to 65% by implementing certain best management practices.
The existing airport impervious coverage is approximately 17%. The proposed short-term
development will add about 14% more pavement to the total existing paved areas, resulting
in the impervious coverage of 20% for the entire airport. The proposed intermediate-term
development will construct 6% more pavement to the short-term built-out, raising the total
impervious coverage of the airport to 21%. The long-term development will place additional
7% paved areas to the intermediate-term built out. As a result, the impervious coverage of
the entire airport after the long-term built-out will increase to 22%, far below the 65%
maximum limit.
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.12
It should be noted that the proposed development plans, as illustrated in Exhibits 4.1 to 4.3,
have already incorporated a design strategy of minimizing the paved areas as necessary.
4.6.3 Stormwater Surface Runoff
As mentioned in Section One, Inventory, GTU has two storm water surface runoff detention
facilities on the airport. The water detention pond at the southeastern corner of the airport
property aims to capture the first half-inch of runoff from the landside of the airport. The
initial design of this water detention pond was completed by Espey, Huston & Associates, Inc.
in 1994 (1994 water study). The report of this study is attached in Appendix "B". The 1994
water study sized the pond to be approximately 2.5 acres with a 2-foot depth and an
ultimate development of 50 acres of impervious cover. In 1998, Raymond Chan &
Associates, Inc. conducted a study (1998 water study) and recommended to reduce the size
of water quality pond, which is located at the north of Terminal Drive, to only detain runoff
from 16.2 acre of area delivering via underground storm sewer system. The report of this
1998 study is also attached in Appendix "B". The 1998 water study concluded that the
existing water detention pond at the southeastern corner of the airport property has a
capacity of approximately 2.89 acre-feet. Moreover, the 1998 Airport Master Plan shows the
detention pond is approximately 5.50 acres in size.
The existing combined impervious cover of the drainage areas, which were defined in the
both 1994 and 1998 water studies, is approximately 43.83 acres. This study proposes to add
additional pavement to the drainage areas of 3.15 acres, 3.61 acres, and 5.05 acres,
respectively, by the years 2009, 2014, and 2024. Based on the assumption the first half-inch
of runoff from the impervious area shall be detained, the required water quality volume for
the year 2024 corresponds to 2.32 acre-feet. The estimated capacity of the water detention
pond, which is 2.89 acre-feet according to the 1998 water study, still exceeds the demand by
2024. However, it is recommended in this study that a detailed water quality study be
pursued before the intermediate-term development plan is materialized. The City plans to
follow both recommendations on Storm water Surface Runoff.
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.13
Additionally, it is recommended that every future construction project be carefully tied into
the existing drainage pattern on the airport, and the detailed water quality study be
conducted if major changes occur. The City plans to follow both recommendations on
stormwater surface runoff.
As part of the airport’s planned unit development (PUD) zoning district, the northwest
quadrant of the airport is set aside as open space to allow higher impervious coverage in the
developed areas on the east side of the airport.
4.6.4 Runway and Taxiway Object Free Area (OFA) Encroachments
As discussed in Section Three, Future Facility Requirements, encroachments to runway and
taxiway OFAs include trees, utility poles, fences, residential houses, as well as parking aircraft.
Exhibit 3.1 and ALP drawings in Appendix "C" graphically depict these encroachments.
The development plans proposed in this study create more apron areas for aircraft parking,
thus eliminate parking aircraft encroachments to the OFAs. The development plans also
recommend, within the existing airport property line, removing these trees and the
abandoned Lakeway Drive pavement that fall within the OFAs. The utility poles located
south to Runway 36 end are to be relocated outside of the OFA and to be clear of the FAR
Part 77 Primary and Approach Surfaces and the Threshold Siting Surface (TSS). The other
alternative for the utility pole encroachments is to bury the conductor underground. The 8-
foot game fencing encroaches on the OFAs at two locations. One is located south of Runway
11-29, running parallel and west to Runway 18-36. The other is located northeast of Runway
18, running parallel to Runway 18-36. These two parts of the fencing must be relocated
outside the OFAs.
As illustrated in Exhibit 3.1 and the ALP drawings, the existing airport property line does not
include the entire OFAs. The OFAs fall outside the existing airport property line at the
northwest side of Runway 18 end, both sides of Runway 36 end, and southwest side of
Runway 29 end. A number of trees, the airport fencing, and houses are within these OFAs.
It is recommended that the City acquire the entire OFAs as the ultimate airport property,
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.14
removing trees, demolishing houses, relocating the fencing, and clearing any other
encroachments.
The City has no current plans or intentions to follow this recommendation.
4.6.5 Runway Protection Zone (RPZ) Encroachments
As illustrated in Exhibit 3.1 and ALP drawings in Appendix "C", a number of residences and
public roads are within the runway RPZs. The discussion in Section 3.1.5, Runway
Protection Zone (RPZ), recommends that the City acquire avigation easements for all four
RPZs which are not within the existing and ultimate airport property lines. It further suggests
a larger RPZ be protected for each end of Runway 11-29, and the associated land to be
acquired as avigation easements. As a part of ultimate development plan, these residences
must be removed and the public roads realigned outside the RPZs.
The City has no current plans or intentions to follow this recommendation.
4.6.6 Obstructions to FAR Part 77 Primary and Approach Surfaces
As required by the FAA and TxDOT, FAR Part 77 Primary and Approach Surface, Obstacle
Free Zone (OFZ), and the Threshold Siting Surface (TSS) must be depicted on the ALP
drawings. The ALP is attached in Appendix "C". Any obstructions to these three surfaces
must be identified along with proposed remediation measures.
FAR Part 77 Primary and Approach Surfaces are components of Part 77 imaginary surfaces
that are used to identify obstructions that may pose aeronautical hazards to aircraft. The
dimensions of Primary and Approach Surfaces vary with the category of a runway, the
classification of approaches to the runway, and approach visibility minimums. The Primary
Surfaces for both runways at GTU are 500 feet wide and extend 200 feet beyond each
runway end. The elevation of the Primary Surface at any point is the same as the nearest
point of the associated runway centerline. The Approach Surface for each runway end at
GTU starts 200 feet from the runway end at the elevation of the runway centerline at the
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.15
runway end, and slopes upward at a ratio of 34 (horizontal) to 1 (vertical). The surface
extends 10,000 feet along the extended runway centerline, with a width of 500 feet at the
starting point that increases to 3,500 feet at the far end of the surface.
As shown on the ALP, clusters of trees along the south side of Runway 11-29 and west to
Runway 18-36 are within the FAR Part 77 Primary Surface of Runway 11-29. At Runway 36
end, several individual trees located west of Runway 36 end are within the FAR Part 77
Primary Surface for Runway 18-36. A part of abandoned Lakeway Drive, which is located as
close as 60 feet southeast to Runway 36 end, is another obstruction to the Runway 18-36
Primary Surface. It is recommended that all tree obstructions as well as the part of
abandoned Lakeway Drive be removed to meet FAR Part 77 Primary Surfaces.
As shown on the ALP, three trees penetrate Runway 18 Part 77 Approach Surface, while
seven trees, four light poles, and two utility poles penetrate Runway 36 Part 77 Approach
Surface. On the Runway 11-29, trees are major obstructions to Part 77 Approach Surfaces.
The airport fence at the northeast of Runway 11 end is also higher than Runway 11 Part 77
Approach Surface and considered as an obstruction. It is recommended to remove all tree
obstructions, place obstruction lights on the airport fence and light pole obstructions located
south of Lakeway Drive, remove the light pole located to the north of Lakeway Drive, and
relocate the utility poles or remove the poles and bury the conductor underground. It is
anticipated that obtaining landowners' permission for removal of trees outside of airport
property may be challenging.
It should be recognized that majority of obstructions identified at Runway 18 end and at
Runway 36 end north to Lakeway Drive are also encroachments to the OFA. They are
required by the FAA to be removed. Once the clearance of the OFA is completed, the
extent of work to remediate Part 77 Primary and Approach Surfaces penetration will be
reduced significantly.
The City has no current plans or intentions to follow this recommendation.
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.16
4.6.7 Obstructions to Obstacle Free Zone (OFZ)
Obstacle Free Zone (OFZ) consists of runway OFZ and, when applicable, the inner-approach
OFZ and the inner-transitional OFZ. The OFZ should clear of taxiing and parked airplanes
and object penetrations, except for objects that need to be in the OFZ due to their
navigational functions. For GTU, only the runway OFZ is applicable. The runway OFZ is
airspace centered above the runway centerline and extends 200 feet beyond each end of the
runway. The elevation at any point of the runway OFZ is the same as the elevation of the
nearest point on the runway centerline. The width of the runway OFZ varies with the
category of runway and approach visibility minimums. The runway OFZ for Runway 18-36 is
400-feet wide. Currently, Runway 11-29 is only serving small aircraft, so its runway OFZ is
250 feet wide. If Runway 11-29 is upgraded to serve both small and large aircraft in the
future, the width of the runway OFZ should be expanded to 400 feet.
At the present, several trees that are located west to the Runway 36 end penetrate the OFZ
of Runway 18-36 and should be removed.
4.6.8 Obstructions to Threshold Siting Surface (TSS)
The Threshold Siting Surface (TSS) is utilized to locate runway threshold in order to meet
approach obstacle clearance requirements. The dimensions of TSS vary with the type of
aircraft operations, the approach visibility minimums, and the types of navigational
instrumentation. Both runways at GTU are currently supporting instrument straight-in night
operations and are anticipated to retain the same capability throughout the 20-year planning
period. However, the TSS is larger for Runway 18-36 than for Runway 11-29 because
Runway 18-36 supports C-II category aircraft while Runway 11-29 supports B-II category
aircraft.
The TSS for each end of Runway 18-36 begins 200 feet out from each runway threshold with
the same elevation as the runway centerline at the threshold, and slopes upward at a ratio of
20 (horizontal) to 1 (vertical). The surface extends 10,000 feet along the extended runway
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.17
centerline, with a width of 800 feet at the starting point, increasing to 3,800 feet at the far
end of the surface.
As shown on the ALP, four residences, one light pole, 13 trees, and airport fence at the
northwest corner of the airport property, penetrate Runway 18 TSS. On Runway 36 end,
one light pole, two utility poles, three trees, and airport fence at the southeast of Runway 36,
penetrate Runway 36 TSS. It is recommended in this study to remove those tree and light
pole penetrations, and relocate the utility poles or remove them and bury wire underground.
For the residences, the existing PLASI or the proposed PAPI-4 is proposed in this study to
remediate the penetrations. The remediation measure using those visual glideslope
indicators is discussed in the following subsection.
Similar to previous discussion on Part 77 approach surface penetrations, the majority of
obstructions to TSS that are identified at Runway 18 end and at Runway 36 end are located
within the OFA and are required by the FAA to be removed. Once the clearance of the OFA
is completed, the extent of work required to remediate TSS penetrations will be dramatically
reduced.
The TSS for each end of Runway 11-29 begins 200 feet out from each runway threshold with
the same elevation as the runway centerline at the threshold, and slopes upward at an
upward slope of 20 (horizontal) to 1 (vertical). The surface extends 10,000 feet along the
extended runway centerline, and has a width of 400 feet at the starting point, which
increases in width to 3,800 feet at the far end of the surface.
As shown in ALP, trees are the main sources of TSS penetrations at both ends of Runway 11-
29. The airport fence at the northeast of Runway 11 end is also an obstruction to TSS. It is
recommended to remove all tree obstructions and place obstruction light on the airport
fence. If necessary, the landowners' permission will be obtained by the City for removal of
trees outside of airport property.
The City has no current plans or intentions to follow this recommendation.
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.18
4.6.9 Glideslope Qualification Surface (GQS) - Obstruction Remediation Measure
As previous discussed, several residences located northeast of the Runway 18 end are
obstructing the TSS. This study investigated the possibility to remediate these penetrations to
TSS by using the existing PLASI and the proposed PAPI-4.
The Glideslope Qualification Surface (GQS) was first investigated in this study to determine
the possibility of using the existing PLASI and proposed PAPI-4 as a remediation measure for
Runway 18 TSS penetrations. If the GQS is clear, the existing PLASI and the proposed PAPI-
4 can be used to light the penetrations.
The GQS for all runway ends at GTU begins at each runway end with the same elevation as
the runway centerline at the runway end, and slopes upward at a ratio of 29 (horizontal) to 1
(vertical). This slope corresponds to two-thirds of glideslope descent angle of 3-degree. The
surface extends upwards to the Descent Height (DH) associated with each runway end, and
has a width of 300 feet at the point of beginning, which increases in width ranging from
1,585 feet to 2,235 feet at the far end of the surface.
All TSS penetrations that could be remediated by this measure are clear of the respective
GQS.
4.6.10 Visual Glide Slope Indicator (VGSI) Obstacle Clearance Surface-Obstruction
Remediation Measure
The Visual Glide Slope Indicator (VGSI) obstacle clearance surface was studied to determine
whether the aiming angle and the location of the existing PLASI are adequate to clear
obstructions, and whether the aiming angle and the location of the proposed PAPI-4 can be
achieved.
The aiming angle of the existing PLASI is 3.5-degrees, resulting in a slope of 22.9:1 for PLASI
obstacle clearance surface. The PLASI obstacle clearance surface begins 300 feet from the
face of PLASI on the runway centerline with the same elevation as the runway centerline, and
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.19
slopes upward at a ratio of 22.9 (horizontal) to 1 (vertical). The surface flares 10 degrees on
each side of the runway centerline, and extends 4 statute miles from its point of origin.
As illustrated on the ALP, for Runway 18 end, all penetrations on TSS are outside of the
PLASI obstacle clearance surface. As a result, the aiming angle and the location of the
existing PLASI are adequate to remediate Runway 18 TSS penetrations, namely, residential
structure penetrations to TSS.
The nominal approach angle of the proposed PAPI-4 is 3-degrees, resulting in a slope of
32.7:1 for PAPI-4 obstacle clearance surface. The shape of the PAPI-4 obstacle clearance
surface is the same as PLASI obstacle clearance surface, except the slope.
As illustrated on the ALP, for Runway 18 end, all penetrations on TSS are outside of the PAPI-
4 obstacle clearance surface. As a result, the aiming angle and the location of the proposed
PAPI-4 are adequate to remediate Runway 18 TSS penetrations, which are residential
structure penetrations.
It should be noted that, as previously discussed, those residences located northeast of
Runway 18 end are encroaching into the runway OFA. The structures must be removed to
comply with FAA standards for ultimate airport development.
The City has no current plans or intentions to follow this recommendation.
4.7 AIRPORT LAYOUT PLAN (APPENDIX "C")
4.7.1 Airport Layout Drawing
The FAA requires a set of several drawings be prepared for each airport included in the
National Plan Integrated Airport System (NPIAS). The set of drawings are collectively referred
to as the Airport Layout Plan. Specific drawings prepared for GTU are discussed separately as
below.
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.20
The recommended airport development is graphically shown on the Airport Layout Drawing
(ALD), contained in Appendix "C". This plan is a graphic representation of the airport
development program from the existing condition through its ultimate configuration. It is
intended to provide adequate airport development planning through the 20-year planning
period, and to permit efficient and economical development without the over commitment
of financial resources.
The ALD is also intended to provide basic guidance in the development of the airport and is
a result of comprehensive study and an examination of the many factors that will influence
aviation activity at GTU in the years to come. The ALD also provides basic technical data,
particularly with regard to the engineering and physical attributes of the airport, but does not
provide detailed design solutions. The ALD is the basic document for FAA programming
decisions and is generally regarded as the cornerstone upon which future airport
development will rest.
The ALD was developed using the forecast data prepared for the Airport Master Plan;
however, it must be recognized that, should activity projections differ materially from the
actual traffic experienced in the years to come, facility demand and requirements may
change. For that reason, the ALP should be reviewed periodically and updated as required,
particularly if significant changes occur in facility requirements or environmental issues
relative to airport operations.
4.7.2 Terminal Area Plan
The Terminal Area Plan contained in Appendix "C" illustrates a schematic development plan
at GTU by the year 2024 under "W/O NCTA & W/ ATC" scenario. Generally, the
recommended development as shown on the Terminal Area Plan consists of the
development of T-hangars, FBO facilities, maintenance/storage hangars, automobile parking
lots, and expansion of the terminal apron area. Office spaces could also be included in the
development scheme.
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.21
The proposed development of the terminal area is functionally separated into the northern T-
hangar area, the northern commercial/business area, the central office/aviation-related public
area including a general aviation terminal, and the southern FBO/corporate area. The major
development is planned to occur within the northern T-hangar area and the southern
FBO/corporate area during the 20-year planning period. The apron is shown to be expanded
during the short-term development plan to improve the aircraft tie-down condition and
smooth the aircraft taxiing flow on the apron.
4.7.3 Airspace Plan and Approach Plans
An Airspace Plan has been prepared according to the current FAA criteria and based upon
the ultimate development identified in this study.
The purpose of the Airspace Plan is to prevent the construction of structures or natural
growth which would constitute hazards or obstructions to aircraft operating from the airport.
Such an ordinance can be an effective method of controlling the height of structures and
trees around an airport, and of generally improving land use compatibility in the immediate
environs of an airport. However, the airspace planning ordinance cannot be used directly for
land use controls.
The Approach Surface Plans are also contained in Appendix "C". The purpose of the
Approach Surface Plans is to identify the objects which penetrate FAR Part 77 Primary
Surface, the inner portion of the FAR Part 77 Approach Surface, and the Threshold Siting
Surface for each runway end. More important, these Approach Surface Plans are intended to
find feasible solutions to solve these penetrations, to protect these surfaces for the future, and
continue to maintain the safe operational conditions around the airport.
These obstructions identified in the Approach Surface Plans are discussed previously in the
Section 4.6, Other Development Considerations.
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.22
4.7.4 Obstruction Survey Drawings
As required by the FAA and TxDOT, the Type "C" obstruction survey was conducted at the
airport and along the FAR Part 77 Approach Surface of each runway end. New aerial
photography was obtained and was the primary source for survey data used in this study.
The obstructions to FAR Part 77 Surfaces and Threshold Siting Surfaces are identified along
with the remediation methods. It should be noted that the obstructions identified in the
Survey drawings are also shown in the Approach Surface Plans as the obstructions.
4.7.5 Property Map
Appendix "C" also contains the Airport Property Map, showing the existing airport property.
The parcels of land that would be affected by the proposed ultimate airport property include
the land located northeast to the Runway 18 end, the lands located southeast and southwest
to the Runway 36 end, and a small parcel of land southwest to the Runway 29 end. The
proposed avigation easement at each runway end is also shown on the Airport Property Map.
This map was completed with information obtained from City's records, but must be
considered an approximation. A more detailed, on-site survey will be required in order to
determine the actual amounts of land tracts involved. The names of the owners are shown as
they are recorded by the City's records.
4.8 AIRPORT LAND USE PLAN
The airport Land Use Plan is illustrated in Exhibit 4.4. The recommended on-airport land use plan is
primarily based upon aeronautical functions and priorities of land uses, and at the same time is
intended to be consistent with the airport existing land use pattern as close as possible. The existing
land use program at GTU is well defined and managed. It establishes a solid base for developing the
future on-airport land use plan. The off-airport land use plan is generally consistent with the City's
Future Land Use Plan.
As illustrated in the Land Use Plan, aviation facility needs by the year 2024 could be met by
efficiently developing at the eastern side of the airport property. The southwestern quadrant of the
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.23
airport property, which is currently as an open area, will not be required for aviation development by
2024. However, if the aircraft activities at GTU grow substantially faster than the projected level in
this study, the development of the southwestern side could be considered. The faster-than-the-
projected level of growth will likely not occur at GTU. However, to protect the airport, it is
recommended that the southwestern quadrant be designated as public/semi-public land use.
Additionally, the northwestern quadrant is recommended by the Airport Planning Advisory
Committee to be designated as green space land use. This land use designation is to preserve
adequate undeveloped land to meet the City's impervious coverage requirements. It should be
noted that the entire airport is currently designated as public land use in the City's Land Use Plan.
If non-aviation land uses are to be considered for the airport, TxDOT and FAA must be consulted
before any major commitment is made. TxDOT and FAA grant agreements (assurances) are specific
as to the kinds of activity and operations that may be conducted on airports that have been
developed through federal and State funding programs. Within its grant assurances, the City plans to
designate and possibly use the southwest quadrant as open space or for the establishment of aviation
or non-aviation related industrial or commercial development consistent with the City’s economic
development policies.
• On-Airport Land Uses - There are two major classifications of airport property: landside,
which is where facilities and activities for surface based activities occur, and airside which
is where aircraft operations directly related to flight are conducted. As illustrated in
Exhibit 4.4, on-airport land uses at GTU are also generally classified into four categories:
public/semi-public land use at the southwestern quadrant, green space at the northwest
quadrant, airfield, and landside on the east side. The landside is further divided into
seven sub-categories based upon their existing as well as the proposed future
aeronautical functions. These sub-categories of land uses include T-hangar land use,
commercial/business land use, corporate/FBO land use, office/aviation-related public use
land use, base aircraft tie-down land use, drainage/water detention land use, and green
space. This land use plan is consistent with the existing land use patterns at GTU.
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.24
• Off-Airport Land Use - Off-airport land uses shown on Land Use Plan follow the City's
Future Land Use Plan. As shown, GTU is surrounded by residential land use, mixed land
use, commercial land use, industrial land use, and a business park east of the airport.
• Land Use Recommendations - A well-established residential area is located adjacent and
north to the existing airport property. Residential facilities within that area have posed
several aviation safety issues, including encroaching to runway OFA and RPZ, penetrating
FAR Part 77 Primary and Approach Surfaces, and obstructing Threshold Siting Surface.
Moreover, the proximity of these residential facilities to Runway 18 end and being
directly under the aircraft final approach and departure path have created a lot of aircraft
noise concerns in the communities. It is recommended in this study that, as the ultimate
land use plan, the City acquire the lands falling within OFAs as the ultimate airport
property, and acquire the lands falling within the RPZs but outside the ultimate airport
property as avigation easements. Land Use Plans as shown in Exhibit 4.4 graphically
depicts this recommendation. The City has no current plans or intentions to follow its
recommendation.
• Zoning of Airport Property – The City of Georgetown currently has the airport zoned as a
Residential Planned Unit Development (R-1 PUD). The R-1 PUD Zoning is a reflection
of the planned unit development requirements in existence when the original zoning for
the airport was adopted. With the adoption of the Unified Development Code, Planned
Unit Development zoning can now be created following a more representative base
zoning category related to the airport. It is recommended in this study that the City
initiate a rezoning of the existing airport property to Planned Unit Development with
Industrial as the underlying base district, with a PUD document consistent with the
Ultimate Land Use Map, Rules and Regulations, and Minimum Standards of the Airport.
City of Georgetown Airport Master Plan Update 4.25