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Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning (2018)

Chapter: Chapter 4 - Data Sources and Considerations

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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 4 - Data Sources and Considerations." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25306.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 4 - Data Sources and Considerations." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25306.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 4 - Data Sources and Considerations." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25306.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 4 - Data Sources and Considerations." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25306.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 4 - Data Sources and Considerations." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25306.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 4 - Data Sources and Considerations." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25306.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 4 - Data Sources and Considerations." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25306.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 4 - Data Sources and Considerations." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25306.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 4 - Data Sources and Considerations." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25306.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 4 - Data Sources and Considerations." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25306.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 4 - Data Sources and Considerations." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25306.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 4 - Data Sources and Considerations." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25306.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 4 - Data Sources and Considerations." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25306.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 4 - Data Sources and Considerations." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25306.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 4 - Data Sources and Considerations." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25306.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 4 - Data Sources and Considerations." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25306.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 4 - Data Sources and Considerations." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25306.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 4 - Data Sources and Considerations." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25306.
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43 This chapter provides an overview of the data sources related to metrics and includes infor- mation related to accessing the databases and considerations in using the data and interpreting the results. Various sources of data exist from FAA and U.S.DOT that provide information on air traffic operations and performance that could be used by airport operators. Other facility-related and operational data may be available directly from the airport operator and/or airlines. FAA/U.S.DOT operational data describe overall traffic volume and operations, delays, airline schedules, and weather conditions. The sources for operational data include (1) the FAA Opera- tions and Performance Data, (2) BTS, and (3) the FAA System Wide Information Management (SWIM) system. Apart from these, there are other systems/programs, such as the Performance Data Analysis and Reporting System and National Offload Program, that have archived high fidelity air traffic data (i.e., Geospatial data—latitude, longitude, altitude, and timestamp associ- ated with flight tracks). The FAA Operations and Performance Data are available through a web-based portal (https:// aspm.faa.gov) and include the following databases: 1. Aviation System Performance Metrics (ASPM) 2. Operations Network (OPSNET) 3. CountOps 4. Traffic Flow Management System Counts (TFMSC) 5. Airline Service Quality Performance (ASQP) 6. Flight Schedule Data System (FSDS) 7. Terminal Area Forecast (TAF) The CountOps, TFMSC, FSDS, and ASQP are standalone databases that are also used to compile the ASPM database. The OPSNET database has daily air traffic operations and delay data for all FAA facilities. The TAF is the official FAA forecast of aviation activity for U.S. airports. BTS aviation data are available through the BTS website, which provides access to traffic, pas- senger flow, employment, financial condition, and on-time performance data filed by airlines each month with the U.S.DOT’s BTS (Office of Airline Information), as described in 14 CFR Part 234 of U.S.DOT’s regulations. SWIM is an FAA information-sharing platform designed to facilitate an increased common situational awareness and a greater sharing of air traffic management system information. There are many factors to consider when using these databases, including the ability to access the data. Some data are available to the public while others are restricted and require a login. A summary of the various considerations including access associated with each of these data C H A P T E R 4 Data Sources and Considerations

44 Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning sources is provided in the next section. The details of the contents and method of access for each of these data sources are provided in the subsequent sections. 4.1 Considerations for Choosing Data Source Several factors need to be considered while choosing a data source for performing analysis. These include (1) data element or class of information (e.g., delay, traffic counts), (2) availability at airports, (3) latency in availability, (4) access, and (5) uses. A summary of these considerations with respect to each of the data sources is provided in Table 18. Data Source Considerations Aviation System Performance Metrics (ASPM) “The Aviation System Performance Metrics (ASPM) online access system provides data on flights to and from the ASPM airports (currently 77); and all flights by the ASPM carriers, including flights by those carriers to international and domestic non-ASPM airports. All IFR [Instrument Flight Rules] and some VFR [Visual Flight Rules] flights are included.” “The ASPM database is compiled piece by piece beginning with basic flight plan and other message data for flights captured by the Traffic Flow Management System (TFMS), enhanced with next-day OOOI [Out, Wheels Off, Wheels On, and Gate In] data, updated with published schedule data, and further updated and enhanced with BTS Aviation System Quality and Performance records which include OOOI data, final schedule data, and carrier- reported delay causes for the largest U.S. carriers.”1 Data Elements: Airport delay, traffic count, taxi-in and taxi-out time and delay statistics, meteorological condition, efficiency. Availability: Data available for 77 U.S. airports. Latency: Preliminary data are available to registered users on a next-day basis. It can take up to 6–8 weeks after the end of each calendar month to finalize the data. Access: Data are accessed through a web-based portal (https://aspm.faa.gov). Public Access: Airport Analysis, City Pair Analysis, and Taxi Time databases are open to the public. May only view final data. Other Access: A login is required to access all other databases and preliminary flight information. An FAA sponsor is required to obtain website access credentials. To request a login, go to https://aspm.faa.gov/Control/Users/sysMailTo.asp. Uses: FAA uses ASPM data to closely monitor airport efficiency and other aspects of system performance. Issues: Taxi times are estimated when OOOI data are not available. Operations Network (OPSNET) “The Operations Network (OPSNET) is the official source of NAS air traffic operations and delay data. The data collected through OPSNET is used to analyze the performance of the FAA’s air traffic control facilities.”2 Data Elements: Daily NAS air traffic operations and delay count data. Availability: Data from all ATC facilities with the exception of flight service stations. Latency: OPSNET operations and delay data are available to the public 20 days after the end of each month. Access: Data are accessed through a web-based portal (https://aspm.faa.gov). Public Access: OPSNET operations and delay data are available to the public 20 days after the end of each month. Other Access: To access next-day OPSNET data, users require a login. To request a login, go to https://aspm.faa.gov/Control/Users/sysMailTo.asp. Uses: OPSNET is used to analyze the performance of ATC facilities. CountOps CountOps is an FAA automated system that provides hourly counts of air traffic activity at Terminal Radar Approach Controls (TRACON), towers, and airports.3 Data Elements: Hourly counts of air traffic activity at TRACONs, towers, and airports. Availability: CountOps contains information on IFR and VFR arrivals and departures by the hour for more than 2,000 towers and airports.“Daily totals for official OPSNET facilities align to OPSNET counts of operations.” “CountOps does not include operations for Honolulu International Airport (HNL) or TRACON (Honolulu Control Facility–HCF).”4 Latency: Next-day data are available to registered users. Access: No public access. Public access is through the OPSNET. A login is required to access next-day data. An FAA sponsor is required to obtain website access credentials. Uses: CountOps is used by FAA to monitor and assess the performance of ATC facilities. Table 18. Summary of considerations for choosing a data source.

Data Source Considerations Airline Service Quality Performance (ASQP) “The Airline Service Quality Performance System (ASQP) provides information about airline on-time performance, flight delays, and cancellations. It is based on data filed by airlines each month with the Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (Office of Airline Information), as described in 14 CFR Part 234 of DOT’s regulations.”8 Data Elements: Airline on-time performance, flight delays, and cancellations. Availability: Data for carriers that handle at least 1% of total domestic scheduled service passenger revenues. The data also include voluntary reporting by carriers. Latency: ASQP data are available within 60 days after the end of the month. Access: Data are accessed through a web-based portal (https://aspm.faa.gov). Public Access: “Unregistered users can view Operations by Airport data.”9 May only view final data. Other Access: “A login is required to access other parts of ASQP.”9 To request a login, go to https://aspm.faa.gov/Control/Users/sysMailTo.asp. An FAA sponsor is required to obtain website access credentials. With a username and password, a user can view Operations by Airport, Operations by City Pair and Cancellations. May also access “next-day data.” Uses: ASQP data are used to perform analysis of aircraft operator delays and cancellation, including casual analysis. Flight Schedule Data System (FSDS) Data Elements: Contains flight schedule data by air carrier and airport. Availability: Schedules for all aircraft operators. Latency: The database is updated every fifteen days. Access: The FSDS system is not available to the public and is limited to FAA and FAA contractors. Uses: Flight schedule data are used by the FAA for forecasting traffic demand and investment analysis. Terminal Area Forecast (TAF) “The Terminal Area Forecast (TAF) system is the official forecast of aviation activity at FAA facilities. These forecasts are prepared to meet the budget and planning needs of FAA and provide information for use by state and local authorities, the aviation industry, and the public.”10 Data Elements: Contains official forecast of aviation activity at FAA facilities. Availability: Covers all FAA facilities. Latency: Published once a year. Access: Available to the public. Data are accessed through a web-based portal (https://aspm.faa.gov). The historical data and forecasts are located on an FAA internet server and may be queried without additional software using any web browser. Uses: Used for the budget and planning needs of FAA and provide information for use by state and local authorities, the aviation industry, and the public. Traffic Flow Management System Counts (TFMSC) “Traffic Flow Management System Counts (TFMSC) is designed to provide information on traffic counts by airport or by city pair for various data groupings such as aircraft type or by hour of the day. It includes data for flights that fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and are captured by the FAA’s en route computers. Most VFR and some non-en route IFR traffic is excluded.”5 Data Elements: Traffic counts by airport or by city pair for various data groupings such as aircraft type or by hour of the day. Availability: “While TFMSC reliably captures the vast majority of IFR traffic and some VFR traffic, it has several limitations and challenges. First, due to limited radar coverage and incomplete messaging, TFMSC may exclude certain flights that do not enter the en route airspace and other low-altitude flights. In addition, of the 35,000 location identifiers reported over time, only the top few thousand, accounting for over 95% of traffic, are reliable. The others are waypoints or other references to locations not associated with an airport.”6 Latency: Data are available within 31 days after the end of the month. Access: Data are accessed through a web-based portal (https://aspm.faa.gov). Public Access: Airport and Distributed OPSNET reports are available to the public, no username or password needed. The public can only view the final data. Other Access: To access TFMSC data, users require a login. To request a login, go to https://aspm.faa.gov/Control/Users/sysMailTo.asp. An FAA sponsor is required to obtain website access credentials. With a username and password, a user can view Airport, City Pair and Distributed OPSNET. May also access “next-day” data. Uses: To perform NAS-wide traffic count analysis and to construct ASPM records. Also, TFMSC completed flight plan data can be used to document aeronautical activity when making an existing critical aircraft determination.7 Table 18. (Continued). (continued on next page)

46 Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning 4.2 FAA Operations and Performance Data Portal The FAA operations and performance data portal can be accessed through https://aspm.faa. gov. The web page is shown in Figure 3. Depending on the level of access, the user can view, query, and generate reports across the various database access systems available through the data portal. As noted on the home page, the general public can access some sections of the web portal without a login, including Airport Analysis, City Pair Analysis, and Taxi Times. However, certain availability and access constraints exist, such as: 1. ASPM: Airport Analysis, City Pair Analysis, and Taxi Time data will be available within 60 days after the end of the month (e.g., August data will be available no later than November 1). A login is required to access all other databases and preliminary flight information. Data Source Considerations Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Data Elements: Contains air carrier financial reports, air carrier statistics, and summary data. Availability: Includes traffic, passenger flow, employment, financial condition, and on-time performance data filed by airlines each month with the BTS Office of Airline Information. Information about airline accounting and reporting directives is available on the following website: https://www.bts.gov/topics/airlines-and-airports/accounting-and-reporting-directives- airline-service-quality-performance. Latency: Data are available within 60 days after the end of the month. Access: Publicly available through https://www.transtats.bts.gov/databases.asp?Mode_ID=1&Mode_Desc=Aviation&Subject_ ID2=0. Uses: Used to perform air carrier related analysis, such as on-time performance, fuel burn consumption, estimate ticket prices, and air carrier productivity analysis. System Wide Information Management (SWIM) SWIM provides access to FAA flight, weather, and aeronautical information using a modern standards-based data exchange interface. Data Elements: Flight and flow data, aeronautical data and weather data. Availability: Covers all FAA facilities. Latency: Near real time. Access: To be requested from FAA; user needs dedicated IT (Information Technology) infrastructure. Can also be accessed through third-party providers. Information on getting access to SWIM data is available on the FAA website: https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/swim/products/getConnected/#ecbrief. Uses: Build database archives to support the development of decision support tools and to perform analysis. Sources: 1 FAA Aviation System Performance Metrics (ASPM), http://aspmhelp.faa.gov/index.php/Aviation_Performance_Metrics_%28APM%29, accessed 12/20/17. 2 FAA Operations Network (OPSNET) http://aspmhelp.faa.gov/index.php/Operations_Network_%28OPSNET%29, accessed 12/20/2017. 3 FAA CountOps Reports, http://aspmhelp.faa.gov/index.php/CountOps_Reports, accessed 12/20/2017. 4 FAA CountOps Reports, http://aspmhelp.faa.gov/index.php/CountOps_Reports, accessed 12/20/2017. 5 FAA TFMSC, http://aspmhelp.faa.gov/index.php/TFMSC, accessed 12/20/2017. 6 FAA TFMSC, http://aspmhelp.faa.gov/index.php/TFMSC, accessed 12/20/2017). 7 FAA, AC 150/5000-17, Critical Aircraft and Regular Use Determination, 6/20/2017, p 2-1. 8 FAA, Airline Service Quality Performance (ASQP), http://aspmhelp.faa.gov/index.php/ASQP, accessed 12/20/2017. 9 FAA, Airline Service Quality Performance (ASQP), http://aspmhelp.faa.gov/index.php/ASQP, accessed 12/20/2017. 10 FAA TAF System Overview, http://aspmhelp.faa.gov/index.php/TAF_SystemOverview, accessed 12/20/17. Table 18. (Continued).

Data Sources and Considerations 47 2. OPSNET: Operations and Delay count data for each month will be available on the 20th of the next month (e.g., August data will be available on September 20). A login is required to access next-day OPSNET data. 3. CountOps: CountOps has the same access and availability schedule as OPSNET. 4. TFMSC: Airport and Distributed OPSNET data for each month will be available within 31 days after the end of the month (e.g., September data will be available no later than November 1). A login is required to access TFMSC data. 5. ASQP: Operations by Airport data will be available within 60 days after the end of the month (e.g., August data will be available no later than November 1). Operations by Airport data is publicly available. A login is required to access other ASQP data. Complete access to all the databases and reports can be requested through https://aspm.faa. gov/Control/Users/sysMailT o.asp. 4.2.1 Guidance on Navigating the FAA Operations and Performance Data Portal The home page of the FAA Operations and Performance data portal shows a list of database access systems available to the user. The user may access a specific system by clicking on it to view the various available databases. For instance, clicking the ASPM link will bring a user to the ASPM web data system which provides the general public access to the Airport Analysis, City Pair Analysis, and Taxi Times database modules, as shown in Figure 4. Details on the ASPM data will be provided in the next section. The user can query data under each module by first selecting the module of interest, which will open the Airport Analysis page (see Figure 5). On this page, the user can specify the query parameters of interest, including the desired output format (see Figure 6), historical date range (see Figure 7), airports (see Figure 8), grouping field (see Figure 9), and other scoping filters (see Figure 10). After setting the query parameters, the user executes the query by clicking the “Run” button at the far right. Figure 3. FAA operations and performance data home page.

48 Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning Figure 4. Databases under ASPM available to the general public without a login. Figure 5. Option buttons layout within each database module. Figure 6. Output button allows the user to specify the type of analysis and the output format of the query.

Data Sources and Considerations 49 Figure 7. Date button allows the user to specify the time frame for the query. Figure 8. Airports button allows the user to specify the airports for the query.

50 Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning 4.2.2 Aviation System Performance Metrics (ASPM) The ASPM online access system provides data and reports associated with airport operations for 77 U.S. airports. The data from TFMS, ASQP, OOOI data, CountOps, and FSDS are syn- thesized to produce various tables, analyses, and reports. An overview of the ASPM databases is shown in Figure 11. Details about the ASPM databases and the user manual are made available by FAA through the following websites: ASPM overview: http://aspmhelp.faa.gov/index.php/Aviation_Performance_Metrics_ %28APM%29 ASPM user manual: http://aspmhelp.faa.gov/index.php/ASPM_Manual The ASPM databases are grouped into modules based on their scope and purpose. The ASPM data has five main module groups: Metric, Efficiency, Enroute, Dashboards, and Other. The database modules under each group can be queried (as described in the previous section) to generate several pre-structured analysis tables/reports which have data and computed metrics used for performing analysis. Figure 9. Grouping button allows the user to specify the fields to group for the query. Figure 10. Filter button allows the user to specify the scope of the data for the query.

Data Sources and Considerations 51 It is important to note that differences exist between ASPM flight records within the Efficiency and Metrics groupings. ASPM Efficiency flights are intended to capture all traffic handled by controllers at the ASPM77 airports, whereas the Metric flights only include complete records of itinerant flights to ensure the metrics computed are accurate. Neither Efficiency nor Metrics flights includes canceled flights. Also, when using/presenting ASPM data, it is important to document the date when the data was pulled. It can take six to eight weeks after the end of each calendar month for data to be finalized on the ASPM servers, and so the results of the analysis can vary depending on when the data is pulled. Keeping track of that date can help explain potential difference arising from changes made to the data on the ASPM servers as part of the finalizing process. 4.2.3 Operations Network (OPSNET) The OPSNET data is the official source for FAA’s facilities traffic count and delay data. A login is required to access the next-day data. Without a login, users can access the official count released to the public after the 20th day of every month. The overview of OPSNET and the user guide can be accessed through the following URL: http://aspmhelp.faa.gov/index.php/ OPSNET_Manual. A summary of the reports as provided in the OPSNET manual is as follows: 1. Airport Operations—Reports Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and Visual Flight Rules (VFR) itinerant operations (arrivals and departures) and local operations at the airport as reported by ATC towers. It does not include overflights. 2. Tower Operations—Reports IFR and VFR itinerant operations (arrivals and departures), IFR and VFR overflights, and local operations worked by the tower. 3. Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) Operations—Reports IFR and VFR itiner- ant operations and overflights worked by the TRACON. 4. Total Terminal Operations—Reports total operations worked by any facility based on the functions at the facility. If a facility has a tower and a TRACON present, the Total Terminal Operations would be a sum of the tower operations and the TRACON operations for that facility. Figure 11. Overview of ASPM databases.

52 Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning 5. Center Aircraft Handled—Reports domestic and oceanic departures and overflights and total aircraft handled by Air Route Traffic Control Centers and Center Radar Approach Control. 6. Facility Information—Provides information about each ATC facility, such as facility name and type, region, state, hours of operation, etc. 7. Delays—Provides information about the reportable delays provided daily through FAA’s Air Traffic OPSNET. 4.2.4 CountOps CountOps provides hourly counts of air traffic activity at TRACONs, towers, and airports. It includes counts for more than 2,000 towers and airports. The overview of CountOps and the user guide can be accessed through the following URL: http://aspmhelp.faa.gov/index.php/ CountOps_Reports. A summary of the reports as provided in the CountOps manual is as follows: 1. Detail Report—Displays information about tower or TRACON operations sorted according to the desired filter options. 2. Tower Summary Report—Displays information about the number of tower operations sorted by type of operation. 3. TRACON Summary Report—Displays information about the number of TRACON opera- tions sorted by type of operation. 4. Airport Summary Report—Displays information about the number of IFR and VFR itinerant and local operations by airport identified by CountOps. 5. Custom Report—Allows users to develop a customized summary report of tower or TRACON operations by specifying field filters and desired groupings. 6. CountOps/OPSNET Tower Comparison Report—Compares CountOps tower operations to tower operations displayed in OPSNET. The purpose of this report is to validate the CountOps data and ASPM procedures for loading and tabulating CountOps data as the system is continually developed and refined. 7. Runway Usage Report—Displays information on the number of departures, arrivals, and total operations by runway end at specified airports. 8. Runway Validation Report—Displays information on actual runway usage relative to the specified runway configuration in place at that time. 4.2.5 Traffic Flow Management System Counts (TFMSC) TFMSC provides traffic counts by airport or by city pair for various data groupings such as aircraft type or by hour of the day. The overview of TFMSC and the user guide can be accessed through the following URL: http://aspmhelp.faa.gov/index.php/TFMSC. The TFMSC database lets users view data from three perspectives: Airport, City Pair, and Dis- tributed OPSNET. The Airports view displays traffic counts of arrivals and departures by airport for the 2000 largest airports in the NAS. The City Pair view displays traffic counts for all flights by city pair, and the Distributed OPSNET displays OPSNET traffic counts prorated by TFMS aircraft user class (i.e., Air Carrier, Air Taxi, General Aviation, and Military). The TFMSC preliminary next-day TFMS data and enhanced five-day data are not reported in the TFMSC data access system but are used to construct ASPM records. TFMS reliably cap- tures IFR traffic and some VFR traffic. However, due to limited radar coverage and incomplete messaging, TFMS may not capture certain flights that do not enter the en route airspace or

Data Sources and Considerations 53 remain at low-altitude. TFMSC is good for getting counts by aircraft user class and to get seat counts, however, for more accurate traffic count at FAA facilities, the user must use OPSNET. 4.2.6 Airline Service Quality Performance (ASQP) The ASQP data provides information about airline on-time performance, flight delays, and cancellations and includes data for airlines that handle at least 1% of total domestic scheduled ser- vice passenger revenues with the DOT’s BTS. ASQP is updated 25 days after the end of the month and is available to the public within 60 days after the end of the month. Historical archives are available beginning June 2003. The overview of ASQP and the user guide can be accessed through the following URL: http://aspmhelp.faa.gov/index.php/Airline_Service_Quality_Performance_ (ASQP). 4.2.7 Flight Schedule Data System The FSDS contains flight schedule data by air carrier and airport. Access to the FSDS system is limited to employees of the FAA’s Aviation Policy, Planning, and Environment office or con- tractors performing analysis directly for this office. The overview of FSDS and the user guide can be accessed through the following URL: http://aspmhelp.faa.gov/index.php/Flight_Schedule_ Data_System_%28FSDS%29. 4.2.8 Terminal Area Forecast (TAF) The TAF is the official FAA forecast of aviation activity for U.S. airports. The TAF is published every year and contains 30 years of forecast information typically used for the budget and plan- ning needs of the FAA and to provide information for use by state and local authorities, the avia- tion industry, and the public. The TAF data can be accessed through the following URL: https:// www.faa.gov/data_research/aviation/taf/. 4.3 Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Data The BTS data include traffic, passenger flow, employment, financial condition, and on-time performance data filed by airlines each month with the BTS Office of Airline Information. Information about airline accounting and reporting directives is available on the follow- ing website: https://www.bts.gov/topics/airlines-and-airports/accounting-and-reporting- directives-airline-service-quality-performance All BTS data is publicly available and can be accessed through the following URL: https:// www.transtats.bts.gov/databases.asp?Mode_ID=1&Mode_Desc=Aviation&Subject_ID2=0. A summary of the databases related to commercial aviation as shown on the BTS website are provided in Table 19. 4.3.1 Guidance on Navigating the BTS Aviation Data Library A user wishing to analyze BTS data has two primary options for data inspection. The first option is to download the data and then process the data using external tools. The second option is to use the analysis features built into the BTS website. The steps involved to download the data are as follows: 1. Go to BTS aviation library using the link https://www.transtats.bts.gov/databases.asp?Mode_ ID=1&Mode_Desc=Aviation&Subject_ID2=0 (see Figure 12).

54 Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning Small Air Carrier Statistics (Form 298C Traffic Data) Data on small carrier flights performed in scheduled or nonscheduled and charter service. Air Carrier Employees Number of employees for each of the major, national, and regional domestic air carriers. Aviation Accident Database and Synopses Searchable archive of unsafe civil aviation incidents within the U.S., its territories and possessions, and in international waters. Includes aircraft type, operations, environmental conditions, contributing factors, and consequences. Aviation Accident Statistics Summary of annual accident, injury, and fatality statistics. Data are available for scheduled and nonscheduled operations of commercial air carriers, commuter planes, air taxis, and general aviation planes. Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) ASRS is a collection of datasets vital to aviation safety. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) maintains ASRS for the FAA. BTS Omnibus Survey Monthly survey conducted by BTS to collect information from U.S. households on issues related to safety, mobility, the environment, economic growth, and national security. Canadian Travel to the U.S. Monthly and annual Canadian arrivals of one or more nights to the U.S. Annual data include province of origin, U.S. states visited, purpose of trip, activities, visitor nights, lodging, spending, and demographics. Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Tracks fatal work injuries by industry, occupation, cause of injury, and worker demographic characteristics. Commercial Space Licensing and Launches Quarterly launch data is provided for commercial and noncommercial launches by country, payload, spacecraft, and success/failure of launch. Employment by Industry and Occupation Provides estimates of employment and wages for specific non-farm occupations. Database Name Description Air Carrier Financial Reports (Form 41 Financial Data) Form 41 Financial Data consists of financial information on large U.S.- certified air carriers. Includes balance sheet, cash flow, employment, income statement, fuel cost and consumption, aircraft operating expenses, and operating expenses. Air Carrier Statistics (Form 41 Traffic)—U.S. Carriers Monthly data reported by certificated U.S. air carriers on passengers, freight, and mail transported. Includes aircraft type, service class, available capacity and seats, and aircraft hours ramp-to-ramp and airborne. Air Carrier Summary Data (Form 41 and 298C Summary Data) Summary data of the nonstop segment and on-flight market data reported by air carriers on Form 41 and Form 298C. Airline On-Time Performance Data Monthly data reported by U.S.-certified air carriers. Includes scheduled and actual arrival and departure times for flights. Airline Origin and Destination Survey Origin and Destination Survey is a 10% sample of airline tickets from reporting carriers. Data includes origin, destination, and other itinerary details of passengers transported. American Travel Survey 1995 National data on the nature and characteristics of long-distance personal travel, from a household survey conducted by BTS approximately every five years. Aviation Support Tables Provides comprehensive information about U.S. and foreign air carriers, carrier entities, worldwide airport locations, and other geographic data. These data also include information on various aircraft types, their manufacturer, and model names. Commodity Flow Survey Data on shipments by domestic establishments in manufacturing, wholesale, mining, and selected other industries. The commodity flow survey is conducted every five years as part of the Economic Census by the U.S. Census Bureau in partnership with BTS. Intermodal Passenger Connectivity The Intermodal Passenger Connectivity database is a nationwide data table of passenger transportation terminals, with data on the availability of connections among the various scheduled public transportation modes at each facility. In addition to geographic data for each terminal, the data elements describe the availability of rail, air, bus, transit, and ferry services. This data has been collected from various public sources to provide the only nationwide measurement of the degree of connectivity available in the national passenger transportation system. Table 19. Summary of BTS databases.

Database Name Description Federal Transit Administration Grant Assistance Programs Summary data on funding levels for each transit program by state and urban area. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by Industry Provides GDP estimates by industry, including many transportation industries, such as air, rail, transit, pipeline, trucking and warehousing, and water transportation. Hazardous Material Incident Reporting System (HMIRS) HMIRS contains data on spills, releases, or other incidents involving hazardous materials during the course of transportation. All modes of transportation are included except pipeline and bulk marine transportation. International Visitor Arrivals Program (I-94) Official data on monthly and final overseas visitor arrivals to the U.S. U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks Greenhouse gas emissions by type and source, including transportation- related sources. U.S. International Air Traveler Statistics (I-92) Estimates of point-to-point air traffic totals between the U.S. and other countries. Data are available for plane type, origin and destination, and air carrier. Table 19. (Continued). Figure 12. BTS aviation data library.

56 Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning 2. Click on the database name [e.g., Air Carrier Statistics (Form 41 Traffic)—All Carriers]. 3. The next page will list the data tables available in the database (see Figure 13). 4. Each data table has a Download link at the bottom right corner. Click on the Download link. 5. The next page will list the field name in the table (see Figure 14). Select the required fields, or select all fields check box. Next, set the filter for Geography, Year, and Period, and click on the Download button on the right. The download instructions can also be viewed by clicking the Download Instructions link to the left of the filters. To perform the analysis using the built-in feature on the BTS website follow the following instructions: 1. Go to BTS aviation library using the link: https://www.transtats.bts.gov/databases.asp?Mode_ ID=1&Mode_Desc=Aviation&Subject_ID2=0 (see Figure 12). Figure 13. BTS page layout showing sample table names.

Data Sources and Considerations 57 2. Click on the database name [e.g., Air Carrier Statistics (Form 41 Traffic)—All Carriers]. 3. The next page will list the data tables available in the database (see Figure 13). Click on the table name. 4. The next page will list the field name in the table along with an Analysis link to the right. Click on any of the Analysis links (see Figure 15). 5. The next page will show filters for Categories, Variables, Statistics, and Year (see Figure 16). The Categories filter has a drop down of all the fields by which data can be grouped. The Variables filter has a drop down of all the fields for which statistics can be computed. The Statistics filter has a drop down of various statistics and the Year filter has a drop down of all the years for which data is available. Set the filter and click on the Recalculate button. Wait for the page to refresh and the calculated results to display. The calculated results can be downloaded using the Download results link on top of the filters. Figure 14. BTS sample data table download page.

58 Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning 4.3.2 System Wide Information Management (SWIM) The SWIM system is an FAA information-sharing platform designed to facilitate an increased common situational awareness and a greater sharing of air traffic management system information and is a key source used in Collaborative Decision Marking. As one of the five transformational NextGen programs, SWIM is the infrastructure that offers a single point of access for aviation data, with producers of data publishing it once and users accessing customizable information through a single connection (FAA, https://www.faa.gov/ air_traffic/technology/swim/questions_answers/). SWIM provides access to a live stream of data, but the data is in an encoded format. Substantial resources (both information technol- ogy and personnel) are needed to process and reformat the data to enable metric derivation and analysis. Currently, the SWIM data portfolio includes Flight and Flow, Aeronautical, and Weather. The Flight and Flow data is provided through the following data streams: 1. Time-Based Flow Management (TBFM) data, which provides metering information. 2. TFMS data, which provides flight data and flow information. Figure 15. BTS sample of field names with analysis link.

Data Sources and Considerations 59 3. SWIM Terminal Data Distribution Systems (STDDS), which collects and publishes data from over 150 airports. This data includes Surface Movement Event Service (SMES), Airport Data Service (ADS), Terminal Automation Information Service (TAIS), and Tower Departure Event Service (TDES). 4. SWIM Flight Data Publication Service (SFDPS) data which provides flight data and updates to clients for filed and active flight plans. The Aeronautical data is provided through the following streams: 1. Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) Distribution Service, which provides alerts for potential hazards that could impact the safety of a flight. 2. Aeronautical Information Management Federal NOTAM Distribution Service (AIM FNS), which is a system-to-system interface that enables end systems to receive digital NOTAMs from FNS. 3. Aeronautical Information Management Special Activity Airspace (AIM SAA), which provides Airport reference and configuration data, definitions, and schedule information for Special Activity Airspace (SAA). Figure 16. BTS sample of the analysis page.

60 Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning The Weather data is provided from the following sources: 1. The Integrated Terminal Weather System (ITWS) Data Publication which provides short- term predictions of convection, and wind gust hazards, wind shear alerts. 2. Corridor Integrated Weather System (CIWS) Data Publication which provides 0–2 hour fore- casts of convection intensity, echo tops, and winter precipitation. 3. Weather Message Switching Center Replacement (WMSCR), which provides textual aviation weather products such as Pilot Reports (PIREPs). 4. Enhanced Weather Information Network System (WINS), which includes numerical weather prediction model predictions, METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) airport weather observations, and icing predictions. 5. NextGen Weather Radar (NEXRAD) data through Weather and Radar Processor (WARP) service.

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TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Research Report 190: Common Performance Metrics for Airport Infrastructure and Operational Planning serves as a reference guide and introduces common performance metrics for airport infrastructure and operational planning. The reference guide includes information on how to interpret performance metrics that can be used for analysis among airports, airlines, and air traffic control. Accompanying the report, download a Microsoft Excel-based Smart Guide, which serves as an interactive tool that provides access to information about a specific performance metric through search functions.

Disclaimer: This software is offered as is, without warranty or promise of support of any kind either expressed or implied. Under no circumstance will the National Academy of Sciences or the Transportation Research Board (collectively "TRB") be liable for any loss or damage caused by the installation or operation of this product. TRB makes no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, in fact or in law, including without limitation, the warranty of merchantability or the warranty of fitness for a particular purpose, and shall not in any case be liable for any consequential or special damages.

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