Tucson Authority Airport Master Planning Services

Ryan Field Master Plan Update Technical Advisory Committee Meeting #1 Conference Room Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019

Project Team – Tucson Airport Authority: Scott Robidoux, Mike Smejkal; Mead & Hunt: Chris Hacker, Mitch Hooper, Patricia Song; Gordley Group: C.T. Revere

Technical Advisory Committee – Tucson Airport Authority: Victor Palma, Dana Elcess, Ronald Gaines, Jerry Brasher, Marc Gomez

Chris Hacker, Mitch Hooper and Patricia Song made a PowerPoint presentation providing an overview of existing conditions and operational forecasts at Ryan Airfield, as well as the goals and schedule for the Master Plan Update to the TAC. Comments and questions included the following:

 The difference in activity forecasts from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Mead & Hunt (M&H) is a result of based aircraft differences between the Department of Transportation and the FAA.  Modest forecasts for general aviation activities at Ryan Airfield are in part related to slow economic recovery in the Tucson area relative to the rest of the nation.  The return of a flight school is a “wildcard,” but the forecast to be provided to FAA should include the increased number of takeoffs and landings generated by a school.  Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) has received interest in having a flight school from both private and institutional entities, including Chinese and British based airlines, which would help increase flight activities, but conversations are confidential.  The is able to attract private jet traffic because of development along Interstate 10, including the Ritz‐Carlton hotel in Marana.  Limited length at Ryan Airfield is a factor for larger jets, but more critical needs are amenities pilots need such as rental car facilities, a Fixed‐Base Operator and proximity to efficient transportation corridors.  The types of aircraft ultimately using Ryan Airfield will dictate safety setbacks and runway dimensions.