liBUililill
j// / s Wichita FaHs Airport 'S!amsss&JF'^.t;^ftwmmmmmmmmmnmmlmmmmmaammm^n^^^^^1m^m WICHITA. F A ^I LI Z> A I P F 0 ?.
a progis-r' of redevelopmeni for
WICHITA FALLS Mh'MSIF-.'.L .'MRPORT WICHITA FALLS, T^/As
James M. Groves .Architecture '^22 December 10, 197^ BB^F!!
AC
Special TharJ:s are tr. O-cler to 'L'. ••.-."' Joi-s-, ••,
manager of V,'ichita Falls Munijiral Alrp-:.!!; -rni hi-:
secretary/ Mrs. Louise Easter* Wltiicut tho-,r, -rich :t
this work would not have be^n possih'.e. =9B
ouTLi:"':
I. Introduction A. General B. Reriof! C. Wichita Falls II. Wichita Falls Municipal Airport A. Histo-r-y B. General C. Manage r.ent D. Terminal Facilities E. Air Traffic Control G. Landing Area H. Future Plans III. Site A, Sheppard Air Force Base 3. Generctl C. Climate Table IV, Conors 1 -v.^iation V. Cor'X-rcial Aviation A, Contii.ental Air Lines B, Texas International Airlines C, Rio Air.-a:,'s, Inc. D, Air Cargo Growth F. (Ji.'rrv.nt Alrdlne Sei^vice G. Dectjnations and Originations VI, L-321-in Ccnvitrrations
i.' . ^" J. J... » . ^ D. Support Facillti-.vs E. Equipncnt F. Move.-^.ents G. Graphics VII. Conclusion 1 Introduction mimi
With an ever-important emphasis placed on air travel; airport design is becoming nore and more impor tant, larger airports have become well-known in the arch itectural iTiagizines; but seldom has a small airport appeared,
The functional design of a small airport is i.?ipor- tant.
The airport of Wichita Falls is in definite need of improvement and*or replacement.
In the following chapters a sketch of Wichita Falls, followed by a narritive of Wichita Falls Municipal Air- poirt, and information on the existing site comprise the first section,
REGION
Rich in cattle, land, oil, and industry, the V/ich- ita Falls Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area en compasses 1,519 square miles in Wichita and Archer counties. Located along the Red River and bounded on the North by Oklahoma and on the South by Young County, the 2irea is about equidistant from the east and west boundaries of the State of Texas. Wichita County accupies an area of 6l2 square miles, and is located in the flat plains. Wichita FaQJs is equidistant from the cities of Oklahoma City and Dallas.
WICHITA FALLS
Wichita Falls is a major business, manufacturing, medical, ciiltural, and educatiorial center for a trade area of so-e 23 counties in northern Tixas and cruth- em Ol'Jaho.'-ia, ( See acco.-.parAnj char:s. ) Recent cc.-^.- pletion 01 r^a :•? An'o::ncad assures ar.ple ;:ater supply for another 30 years or r.ore,
Manufactvczln;;^- i.nd'Js-jrles contribute consideiabiy zo the economy of '/.ichita Falls, employing ^-3000 v.or/.ers.
Oil has figured greatly in the area's econoir.y, t^,e city still being a .-^.ajor independent oil production center.
Industrial Developnent, Inc., lorned by business leaders in 1963» is developinr; tvro industrial parks, one of wnich is near I-tmicipal Air-port.. Industin.al divers"iication is sought; and me.jor plants such as Pittsbur\;h Plate
Glass, Allis-ChalFiers, and several others have locat'-?! plants in Wichita Falls, stimulating the econo-^.y
Agriculture and ranching are important to the ^'.-.-rthi
Texas area. This is a registered beef cattle center as well as prxDducing wheat, cotton, and other grains.
The ai>3a has a labor force of over 52,000 and has 2 an unemployment rate of 2.9^»
These improvements add up to an ever chanrin.;^^
Wichita Falls, vith an airpoi-t that is virtually unchangec since 1959• LIEEII
POPJL'TIO::: CITY (V' . i.citlTA :-Ar.L."3
YEAR •L. yji. ^ Lj:. ^ ±\, ' 19^0 45,1^-:^ 1950 t3.Cn2 i960 101,7.?.
Source: U. S. Depc. rtment of Ceirsu s
1961 105.665
1962 110,000
1963 105.GOO
1964 109,000
1965 110,700
1970 129,600
I9S5 l^>'v,CCO Source: The Ecoror-.y of Wichita Falls, A r^rt c^' the 'A^ichita Falls Urban Transportation study -v the Texas Highway Department & Mi-l-.s-^ :-:.ern 'Jniversitv, f:»^r1
Wichita Falls Region
28 Counties, Texas and Oklahoma
Jones Shackelford Stephens 'f^N^fl
Transportation
Location of V/ichita Falls, in road ."lies frc; the nearest county metropolitan areas of epaal or gr-ceater population with Air Ser/lce.
1
OKH-l^C AMA-22;^
- ,>..
LBii-211 ^iSPS -h
X FTW-xx;IW-llS) ^)A L-13'^ ABI-I44 \ MAF-29O
/
_^
^. Wichita raau Municioal Airport H!
The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of
Wichita Falls voted for the sale of $375,000.00 in Air
port Revenue Bonds and on June 1, 1964, consummated the
transaction for the purchase of all interests of the
former Wichita Falls Air Transport Company for the sum
of $3^5,000.00.
The City of Wichita Falls compledted negotiations
for the purchase of the hangars and other improvements
at Municipal Airport from the estate of the late Ful-
cher Armstrong on June 1, 1964. The purchase of the
airport facilities by the City was accomplished by the
issuance and sale of Airport Revenue Bonds totaling
$375,000.00 The income from the airport is pledged to the
repayment of these bonds over a 20-year period with
sufficient revenue anticipated to pay the annual debt
service, maintenance and operating expenses of the air
port. The acquisj.tion of the airport and other impor
tant improvements has been arranged so that with the pre
sent airline service, and future proposed level of
service, the operation of Municipal Airport by the City
is expected to be a self-sustaining operation, providing a
public facility at no expense to the taxpayer.
MANAGEMENT
The airport is currently managed by Mr. Walt Cowser,
a retired Colonel from Sheppard. He is an officer of the
city, appointed by the Mayor, and approved by the Board of rf-MtM •¥
GENERAL
The Wichita Falls Municipal Airport is located on
the South boundry of Sheppard Air Force Base under the
terms of a ^^-yeax joint use agreement between the city
and the Department of the Air Force dated May 15, 1959.
The Air Force built the present terminal building,
aircraft parking ramp and leased the City 50'73 acres,
which make up the Civil Terminal Area, in exchange for
title to the City's former airport site, Kell Field.
The Civil Terminal Area is connected to the landing
area of Sheppard by means of taxi ways and all types of
civil aircraft vrith two-way radio are permitted to use the
field.
All field maintenance and lighting is provided by
the Air Force with the City paying a nominal use charge
based on the number of scheduled commercial landings only,
HISTORY
The Wichita Falls Municipal Airport had, since its
beginning, been operated on a sub-lease arrangement by
the late Fulcher Armstrong. However, with the passing of
this aviation pioneer, civic officials determined that
in order for this community to have assurance of ade
quate air services and facilities, the City should have
direct control and operation authority over its airport and
inprovements. ^MAHItm
Aldermen, Consult the additional chart for further infcrma- tiOHe
TERMINAL FACILITIES
The Wichita Falls Municipal Airport is located on
a 50o73 acre tract on the south edge of Sheppard Air Force
Base approximately five (5) miles north-northeast of the
City. The land and the passeriger terminal building are leased
from the Air Force while the City owns the tkrree general
service hangars, aircraft maintenance shops, fuel storage
tanks, and offices which make up the general a\'iation and
airline terminal buildings, and the hangars, are leased to
various tenants engaged in aviation or related business
(see accomping list).
The Civil Terminal area was completed and occupied
early in I96O and presently provides the following facilities:
The main terminal building is of masonry construc
tion and contains 6,507 square feet of floor area. This
building houses the passenger lobby, airline ticket count
ers, and indoor air cargo and frei^t storage area, and a
restaurant capable of feeding up to 60 patrons.
A second building of concrete block, adjacent to the
No, 1 hangar, houses the offices, stores and shops for the
Fixed Base Operator, the Faa Communications and the U. S.
Weather Bureau.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL FACILITIES
Air traffic arriving or departing the Wichita Falls uium
Air Terminal use the airfield complex of i^^r.eppard Air
Force Base. However, all air traffic, civilian and mi litary, is controlled by the Federal Aviation Agency which manages and staffs the control tower and the approach control. The present tower was completed and occupied in April I96O; it is 95 feet in height and was con- tructed at a cost of $208,500.
The approach Control facility is also located in the tower and adequate space is available to include the Radar
Approach Control (RAPCON) when it becomes operative later this year.
Thirteen (I3) controllers and a supervisor operate this facility on a 24-hour basis.
Air traffic count recorded by the control tower shows an average of 8,909 operations per month (40^ civilian and 60^ military). The records further reveal tha- the two recent high activity months were September I965 and
October I965, with 11,817 and 12,55^ operations respect ively. Operations recorded by Sheppard Tower during calendar year I965 totaled 123,835,
Radio communications between the tower and civilian aircraft are available on the common civilian frequencies,
(119.1 mc-VFR) (Approach control-118.2 mc) (121.5 mc-Emergency),
LANDING AREA
Sheppard Field's two runways provide Wichita Falls Tmrr-y.- l'
5) •
with one of the largest and most adequately equipped air
ports in the country. The Northwest-Southeast concrete run
way (15-33) is 13,100 feet long by 3OO feet in width. The
North-South asphalt runway (17-35) is 7,000 feet long by
150 feet wide. A third runway 8,800 feet long and parallel
to Runway 15-33 was completed in October of ]9oo.
FIRE PROTECTION
Fire protection is provided by the Sheppard Air Force
Base Fire Department, Under approval of the FAAj no new
facilities and/or improvements are needed* A substation near
the terminal is not necessary, provided operations are near
their present location,
FUTURE PLANS
Air Traffic facilities as well as the current landing
facilities, and fire protection services are to remain as
they are at the present time. Therefore these three items
do not enter into the design of a new airport facility.
Development and construction within the Civil Tenninal
Area at the airport is in accordance with a master plan
approved by both the Federal Aviation Agency and the De
partment of the Air Force, This plan was developed by the
City ajid has the approval of both Federal Agencies.
The Master Plan has now been fully reailized, and plans 7 for the future must by made.
The City has hired Bovay Engineers of Houston to develop
long-range plans for the airport. The result of their study soon to by released is that '-.'ichita Fe ' J s h ;nicln:^l .--ir- port should remain where it is; but ,;lth n-ich ir.pi :vrd facilities to r.eet the piojentt;! passeriger ^r'i-/lt; hence the basis for this i:rorram of rede-.eloDnei t. tiHsraB
ciTizs:!s OF wic:n:T.=. FALLS. I —^ vot":^h^ I BOARD OF ALDEItTt 2 I CITY MANAGER I GEh^RAL ADnhlSTRATIOII DEPARTI-Eirr I AIRPORT :-A::AGER 'AIRFO'^r }ZVLZ: I— i SECRETARY -4 SECtP.ITY
AIRPORT USERS
V Management 8
WICHITA FALLS MUNICIPAL AIRPORT i^mfft
AIRLI!IE PASSPINGER EwPhA ,^,--,0
Year 2r3 r' ^"^^ Texar. Int'l. Cor-.lnertal ]': •' To-a]
1953 9.583 6.4Q1 1^C7.^
1954 10,897 5.563 16,442
1955 12,672 5,^58 13,130
1956 13,131 5,^79 18,610
19:''? 14.579 5,^^-2 20,021 1958 14.608 4,c23 1 C '? '• ".
1959 17,733 3.662 2',395 i960 18,220 3,207 21,-27
1961 19,59^' 3,800 23.394
1962 20.567 3,394 23,961
1963 26,139 3.251 29.^^0 1964 26,968 ^',128 31,096
1965 30,138 3,71^ 33.852 1966 41,795 4,817 46,612
1967 48,905 4,333 53.238 1968 53,820 4,546 58,366
1969 26,540 43,178 6,329 5.894 31.9-1 1970 55,125 5,623 10,388 71.136 6,478 70,lh8 1971 58,289 5,381 1972 53.729 6,1^8 7,75^ 67,631 6,186 63,714 1973 45.903 11,625
Notes - See following page. \ - . \
AIRLINE PASSENGER ENPUNEMENTS
Predicted Passenger Enplanements of Total Carriers:
1975 84,600
1980 123,400
1985 180,000
1990 262,500
1995 383,000 2005 450,000
Conclusionst
Air Service to Wichita Falls reached a peak in I969 and the the early 1970* s, this was due primarily to the increased effort in the Vietnam War,
197^ figures are up by more than 4^ over the figure;s for 1973•
Notes:
* Braniff was Wichita Falls* first carrier; but in October of 1969 ceased operations at Wichita Falls Municipal. Just prior to that time, Texas International had begun service to Wichita Falls, and immediately took over Braniff s routes.
+ The now defunct King Airlines commenced service in October of 1969. Rio Airways of Killeen took over King's routes on October 1,1971* !l*" ?
I£ASES AND AGREEMENTS-1'0
MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
General Leases to Secure Property:
1. Sheppard Air Force Base
2. Sewage Service Contract (SAFB)
Customer Services Leases:
3» American Locker Co,
4. APCOA Parking
5« Avis Rent Cars
6. Budget Rent A Car
7. Continental Airlines
8. Federal Avaiation Adm, - General Aviation
9. Federal Avaiation Adm. - Executive Offices
10. Fidelity & Casualty Insurance
11. Hertz Rent Cars
12. National Car Rental
13. National Weather Service
14. Rio Airways, Inc.
1^. Southern Aviation, Inc. - Fixed Base Operator
16. Southern Aviation, Inc. - Gen, Aviation Oust. Parking
17. The SkyRoom Restaurant
18. Texas International Airlines
19. Tricon International Airlines
20. Wichita - Cowden Company (Limosene Service) LE.-
Advertizing: l/iases (Pirec^, C?.al FriO-.-.-sJ^:,
21. Cardinal Inn Motel
22. Holiday Inns
23. Fiesta Inn Motel
24o Trade Winds Motor Hotel <^ Aircraft Parking Vp' 1 Departure Area n
Dining Room H Covered Area Coffee Shop I I » ' •• •n.riMwn %v;iff»——» • • h \
! J Waiting Room -- 1 doc k Kitchen Car Rent LI [' f»,TvyinriWMWi •"•y-Ti LL , , , , VMMM'^B. *va^
; 'Entry Bag Claim Mech.
IpawiMgHMMw^ranHMH
=«=.- :--^.
tC»C*-T.
Wichita Falis ,t!»J|
General Aviation
V"
. I ^\ Ad ri.: n i si r£l i c:n i— P ^«^'Ti. r*;- >--i 1 Equipment L^-.. 1^ I. I '• -. —I Air Freight Airline Offices TXI ^!-__ RlOiy-^« i Dock Ticket Lobby I Tll.Tr . ..-_: lyjl^inininal Airnnrt -- 1:20 nM.li"— I I iiiw AREA :'J.pl2 ».>^ »^»t few _>^^\ \--:\'."--trv^l:'--;;\ AREA MAP13 1 „nr\> ^ ^ ^ \\\ f . _ s v\ ^•\ f '1 A::! .\ J \ ^ ty (>~ MUN ICIP/ '^r R P^ R T /"T i-''-'—' - -» r—vL , re. . - \. ^ ^^ ;^ g^ V- ~'*"A/^J'~^ v^ x3;o^v j^'^^i'e :;i:?^ .4^-^ ^^ -'-•:.•; il. HM! 7>1J -r.i'Jj :^sit^.,k. ^=7=*=^ :f r w*^ or S?^ — AND V.C'N''' ^' 3 Site 'stai SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE In 1941 the Federal Government established Sheppaid. Field about five miles north of Wichita Falls, This fac ility served as a training field for Air Force personel throughout World War II and, except for a brief period from August 1946 to August 1948, when it was deactivated, has remained an important part of the ecomomic life of Wich ita Falls, When it was reactivated in 1948, the field was renamed Sheppard Air Force Base, and in I95O was designated a permanent installation of the United States Air Force. From its beginning in 1941, airplanes were an integral part of Sheppard, In 1957, increased air traffic necessitated construct ion of a 13,000 foot runway, a 19,000 foot taxiway, and a 3,000 foot ramp, costing a total of $12,300,273. These projects reached completion in time for the arrival of the 14 Strategic Air Command* GENERAL SITE CONDITIONS In order to fit within the present leased available space, future airport development would best take place near the present aprons and taxiways. Soils in the area are of a very hard clay type which provide excellent building foundation footings. The extension ajid improvement of Airport Drive to Red River Expressway provide excellent accessibility to all parts of the city. All access roads are two-lane un divided roads. NARRATIVE CLIMATOLOGIC/.L SUMMARY^^ Wichita Falls, is located in the West Cross Timbers subdivision of the North Central Plains of Texas, about 10 miles south of the Red River and 400 miles northwest of the nearest portion of the Gulf of Mexico, The topography is gently rolling mesquite plain, and elevation in the a2?ea is near 1,000 feet. This region lies between the humid subtropical climate of east Texas and a continental climate to the north and west. The climate of Wichita Falls, is classified with the latter. It is characterized by rapid changes in temperature; marked extremes, both daily and annual; and by rather erratic rainfall* Mean windspeed average over 11 m.p.h. with west- southerly winds prevailing. Rather strong winds are observed in all months. While strong, gusty winds occur frequently, severe dustorms are raroo Most severe dust observed in the area is brought in from the north and west. This section enjoys excellent aviation weather. Flying activities are possible on all but a very few days of the year. Approximately 95/° of the time the ceiling is 1,000 feet or more with visibility of 3 niiles or more. itrii »•^^ • -^ o 00 ON o o C\2 c^ a' X > < W -p is x: o o M 00 ON ON CO CO sO M CO o o ON NO o o M o3 -p O * PL^ o o iH O -P o r^ VA 00 OJ .:t £>- 00 I.N- c^ o 00 c^ CO NO CM r^ -::r c^ CN. Csl 3 u^ U>i NO £>- CO CO o- NO VA NO > o p^ ON c ^A ON o u>» VA CVi C\i CO o NO ON CM CA CJ -It VA ^O NO VA c^ CA 2 PL, IS o 00 r^ CTN o VP\ CN. O- C^ NO «0 ON O ON ON CO 00 o o r-i o iH r-i rH ^ >i c r-4- t)0 fl- -p o V P^ (TJ 13 P 3 a^ c O < s: •t. •-3 < CO o O ui^m ^^ General Aviatic GE^cL^AL AVIATIO:: General Aviation services are curr-^.-tly prcv':l?d by Southern Airr^otlve. Inc. All tirpes of sei-zices for prop, turbo-prop, and jets are proviaed. .'^.bout 120 planes are currently stored there, ir^cludin- 12 Vj.£ir.-..^s .'ets. Bovay Engineers expects only a slirht ::.'rease ir. General Aviation activities over the next tv;entv years. There are three other airports in Wichita Falls, including one that can handle s."o,ll business jets to meet the need for General Aviaricn activieies. All of these airports are privately owned and can "be iriproved and expanded to ::ieet -| o the needs of General Aviation. w :.hj 5 Commercial Aviation CONTINENTAL AIRLINES Wichita Falls (Airport Code SPS) is an intermediate stop on Continental Flight I90 and I9I between Midland- Odessa and Tulsa, Continental presently operates one trip daily, each way with intermediate stops between Lubbock, lawton, and Oklahoma City. Both flights are currently served by Douglas DC-9 aircraft. In an effort to stand ardize its fleet. Continental plans to introduce the Boeing 727 airciraft to these routes. Operation was planned for August 1973* but was curtailed due to energy problems. Implementation is now planned for early 1975. TEXAS INTERriATIONAL AIRLINES Wichita Falls is served Texas International on their route between Dallas-Fort Worth and Wichita Falls. Four flights each direction daily comprise the Texas International Schedule. • Two are with Convair 6OO (to be phased out in future years), and two with Douglas DC-9 Aircraft, Texas International plans one-plane service to San Antonio, Hou ston, and .^marillo in 1975- In a couple of years, Texas Interj^ational plans to add the Boeing 727 aircraft to its fleet. RIO AIRWAYS,INC. Wichita Falls* newest air carrier, Rio Airways, provid es convienient air taxi commuter service to Dallas- Fort Worth on a scheduled basis. For coiiplete schedules, con- 20 suit the following pages. AIR CARGO Continental and Texas International have cargo service on theJr routes. In a.dOltion, Iricon In^err.atlcr.al provide: cargo only rii.^'hts, v;ith one round trip to Vich'ta Fa.lls froTi Dallas daily, GROWTH According to the Bovay Study, Passer.-^er boai^iirgs should exceed 400,000 within the next 25 years. For r.cre 21 information see the charts in Cb.apter 2. ?'•:, DEPARTURES SCHEDUL^.S TXI TEXAS INTERNATIONAL AIRUNES WO rcCO AIRWAYS,INC. CAL CONTINENTAL AIRLINES CO o o o o o 0 0 0 0 0 o 0 0 0 0 0 o o o o o • • • • • o ^A • • • • • VA 20.0 0 28.0 0 34.0 0 s. 28.0 0 • CM CM CM c^ CM xr\ \rv \r\ \r\ vr\ CM CM CM CM CM CM NO ON <7N CJN NO 0 c^ 0 & SI Q ^ >>>>;>>>> iH H rH iH •H m ^ ^ ^ ' Ti -ri Ti TI •ft •fn •rt "rt & U & & & u & & & & & & & & s CO CO 59 CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO • ^ ISZ isi 2 s 55 2 H CM ^ rz; sz: sz: H ^ nigh t (D >> +> CO (Q CO ca CO 03 c •H (0 «i {Q 0 •H (0 OS cd (d cd (d 0 0 cd (d (d cd cd CO i-ia H H iH H H t H H i—i £ r-i H H iH iH H iH t • H PH H H ;Q TJ PH ? •H Da l r!! & S f-l (r\ 0^ VA H 0 0 0 CN. CN- H H r-i , pl a 0 (r\ 0 0 H C7S ON C^ 0 3- Pi P4 P< P4 A J 5 <§• s- ft »A VA •& 5; CM ^ hlt a r-l c*^ c^ 0 i: XA 1 11 4 5^ ? iH •H tim e orig i igh t 0 H 0 0 M •^ *A >A 0 0 H •^ • J 0 igh t a M TX I s 1^ S S IS a d 6 CI g .1 c E: s + • ...^^s S5r~ ARRIVALS S^:'-pn-T£S rxi XEXAs I:::ER::ATIO:IAL AIRL[::F3 no RIO AIRWAYS,IMC. :AL CONTI!IEMTAL AIRLI:S3 CO o O O o O O o O O O O o o o O o O O o f O o o O O O o o (.; o • • • • . • • • • • « • o • • VA VA l-i'^ v^^ .^ cc u^ ^A u>^ -Cf a" o xr\ v-'^ u^ CM CM Csi CM CA (\i CM CM CM CA CM CM (\i CM oj C7\ CJN ON CTN Cr^ a^ CT>. C3N NC a^ o c- O ^C. CTN O ON ON O O O ON ON > C: O C^ C3N > C SI p W pQ Q Q O pq pq c: O Q Q PQ O (X. >i >H •—1 o >^ CO >^ i>i >: >» >> >^ >5 >i iH iH rH iH H rH rH rH •H • •H ^ •H •H •H ^ •H 'H -H 'H • Oj X cn cd CT3 crt Cd cd cd « W « « t-^ « Q « & (S s a a ^ « fc CO CO CO en CO CO r/ CO Oi CO crj CO s :s iz 2; o IS IS :z; 2 :z; CM CO :2; H^ Ti J^ w o to ro tn O CO W OJ nH en w c cd O O cd cd EH cd (d fd C\1 cd o cd Cd cd H H iH H rH ,C) iH H 1—1 % rH g rH (H r-l TJ ,Q rH rH rH Cd Cd Cd ^ Cd cd o M 5 S 5 a 5 a g « O H O -^ NO J:}- rH H rH CXD NO O CM O CM O CN ON O iH rH (A O O ON CTs O O CA ON H O- «>- NO rH H rH C^ NO £>- til ax c~ £>- O rH s •H fo Cd H O p^ p< p< P< ft ft ft +ft +ft ft cd P^ ft PH VA CA 0 •H (VN O VA 00 vo vn ^A VA '-A CA CM Cvi H ^ CA rH O H ^ CM C^ C^ CO 0 CM CA CA C^ ^ ^O NjJ D- ON O 1. 1 r-i ^.^ ^-^ ,,^ ,_^ < O rH 0 0 VA CA VA VO vo VD CA CX5 u-> lA OA H ve CM ^ CA -j- -:t O CO OA ^ -j- -:t -:± Cfi ^—^ ' • ••—• •—^ ft ft ft ft ft cd p, i\ PH P4 P^ ft ft ft cd \r\ \f\ (^ \r\ \r^ u-> VA 0 0 u^ o O O ^'^, O (\i 0 CA C ^ O > .-H CM vr\ C^ H CA O CA 0 H o Cvi CA VA -M.^ VA NO £>- 0- CJN 0 (3N ON CM CJ (H o > •P o •P 1) x: r^ J O M O M o M vJ »-q O O M t-5 td o M X <:; RArr/3D .^:Y :r::-'.Br.R o? P.'.s?r:::"EPs T?-r.'FLii:i BETWEEN V.'K.'IHTTA FALLS AID: RA]^ / CITY AIRLI'.F MI. PA3SFNGERS Dipp;- OF cci:Mr:c"-i^':^ 1. Dallas 125 13,000 Direct (rion-Stopj 2, Houston 340 3,540 Dallas 3. New York 1,421 2,810 Dallas, 0^. City, Tulsi 4. San Antonio 309 2,090 Dallas 5. Chicago 80? 1,970 Dallas, Ok. City, Tulsa 6. Denver 540 1,800 Dallas 7. Austin 255 1,080 Dallas 8. Lubbock 193 1,000 Direct (Non-Stop) 9. Los Angeles 1,130 920 Dallas, Lubbock 10, Tulsa 209 750 Direct Notes: Average trip: 402 miles (air) These top ten cities account for 85?^ of passen.pers leaving Wichita Falls. * City listed first is the one most commonly used. WICHITA FALLS TOP TEN ORIGINATION & DESTIN».TI0N3 "^^ RANKED BY REVENUE PER PASSENGER MILE BETWEEN WICHITA FALLS AND: RANK / CITY AIRLINE MI. PASSENGERS DIRECT OR CONNECTION* 1. New York 1,421 2,810 Dallas 2, Dallas 125 13,000 Direct (Non-stop) 3. Chicago 807 1.970 Dallas, Ok. City, Tulsa 4. Houston 340 3.5^0 Dallas 5. Los Angeles 1.130 920 Dallas, Lubbock 6. Denver 540 1,800 Dallas 7. San Antonio 309 2,090 Dallas 8. Austin 255 1,080 Dallas 9. Lubbock 193 1,000 Direct (Non-Stop) 10. Tulsa 209 750 Direct Notes: Cities listed are final destinations only, for a period of 12 months, ending June 30, I965. These top ten cities account for 85^ of passengers leaving Wichita Falls, • City listed first is the one most commonly used. Design Considerations GENERAL *' The passenger terminal at a commercial carrier air port has an ambvalent character. On one hand it is a public building, the gateway to a community, replete with civic pride. On the other, it is a commercial venture in which sucess will be measured in efficiency and revenue potential." Add to this mix the ever-changing requirements of a dynamic airline industry with its incredible growth in traffic, and it is evident that the design of airport terminals is in deed a proving ground for Architecture, 26 CLIENT The design process required for a terminal can best be understood by describing the roles of various participants involved. Historically, the Federal Government represen ted by the Civil Aeronautics Administration, and later the FAA, had a significant role. Aside from financing airport development, many terminal standards and procedures were evolved at this time. In the late 1950's, terminals were no longer eligible for Federal aid and under these con ditions the FAA role has subsided. One aspect does re main, however, and this is the influence of control tower personel on sight lines, on clearances, and on their tenant requirements. In addition, at international airports the Federal Inspection personel require substantial space. The airlines continue to have a very influential role In terminal design and financing. However, their ownership is limited due to the heavy demands on their capital and credit for aircraft and equipment. Their most important contribution to terminal development will be as prime ten ant in financing, and as innovator of aircraft and pass enger procedures and baggage systems which shape terminal 27 concepts. And last but not least, the City, the true client and owner of the project. In this case the City acts as co ordinator with the architect between the FAA and the var ious airlines. The City will make all final decisions con cerning the design and development of the airport. These three factions make up the multi-client. MISCELLANEOUS Wichita Falls has adopted the Uniform Building Code. However, all buildlng(s) must also be approved by the Shep- 29 pard Air Force Base Corps of Engineers. •^ The project, if it does not exceed 3*5 Million can be easily financed. Wichita Falls currently has a surplus of 3,5 Million from a Civic Center project which did not maturej which is ear-marked for civic improvement. With the voters' approval, this money could be channeled into the airport fund.30 All designs and developments must be submitted to the FAA for approval/and or suggesions for Security Systems, SUPPORT FACILTTTE?^ According to Bovay Engineers Study, the following sized support facilities will be necessary to meet the airport needs of Wichita Falls in the next 25 years:^-^ ^^ Ticketing 12 Positions ^"*^®s 5 or 6 positions (2000 sf each) Rent Cars 25 spaces, plus service space Parking 175 spaces Employee Parking 42 spaces Restaraunt 112 seats EQUIPMENT Of primary importance IE the type of aircraft that is to be used. At the current time DC-9 aircraft is of primary concern, but the future will introduce other types of air craft to Wichita Falls. These most likely will be the 727, and perhaps the 737 and 707 or 720. Diagrams are on the follow ing pages of these types of aircraft. All planes, except for the 707 and 720 series have self-contained entry systems, alleviating the absolute necessity for Jetways, In addition, smaller air taxis will continue to board commercial passengers. EQUIPMENT^^^ .ritOW v^ -ILi. oc s 9 O I •f»»««lW-7«..«.- EQUTK^F^'IT PEOPIE AT HOME OR OFFICE I SCHEDUIE MOTIVATION I DEPARIURE Movements TO AIRPORT I F?:PIANING P'.SSENGERS ROUTE DECISION I AIRPORT ENTRANCE I AIRLINE DECISION I TO CURB 1 TO PARKING BAG VALET PARKING CURB CHECK AT CURB LONG TERK SHORT '•PERI'! PAR INTRALINE ENTRY TO INTERLINE TRANSFER BUILDING TRANSFF? iffiMiiptwTy.m I i i TICKET FLIGHT COUNTER IMFOFJ-iATION rliSlRUWa g Ml lilMII liUCIU;3>l>h- AMEiTiT;r5:s GATE LOUNGE I DEPARTURES DEPlI. NIN'' ; p.". ccr —^ RENT'-A-GAR i:;eR-.i,i'::i: i;rr=:RLi': TR.AN.^?l£R 1 1 u . J X CURB r" i t T RENTAL VALET PRIVATE PUBLIC PICK- UP PICK- UP VEHICIES TANSPOR"'ATIO:: IL- !_ I LOCAL DESTINATION DECISION I AIRPORT EXIT Movements DEPIANING PASSENGJIFS }ttm n V V ? INTR\LINr^ CURB COUNTER BAGGAGE BAGGAGE BAG CHECr. BAG CriECC SAG CHECK I J I • jlM.BiWJ BAGGAGE STAGING SHORT-TERM LONG-TERM HOLD HOLD TRANSFER TO AIRCRAFT AIRCRAFT Movements ENPUNING 3AGCAC5 GRAPHICS The graphics below were designed by Arnold Thompson Associates for the Air Transport. Association of America as a study to explore ways of developing better airport signs and identifying their proper use. These signs were first used at the Tampa International Airport, and are now being used in some of America's most important airports, including the new Dallas - Fort Worth Regional Airport.^3'7 Departing Flights f Arriving Flights i^^ Baggage Claim L'.ibl-i-.:: . Baggage Check-in u^"^ Passengers Only s. Mi- Ticketing To Gates V. ••if ,..--\ Automobile Parking Lost & Found ...."IjSEJ -^ ^ Telephone c — «« Information t ' A ' ' —i To Gates 1-24 ... ^u f***ll ^ 7 Conclusion ••• The desire to demonstrate functional design In a small airport situation and the airport needs of Wichita Falls, Texas provided the combinations for this project. i'i-^m FOOTNOTES League of Women Voters, :-ocus on Wl - - Falls ('.•.'ichita Falls, 1971). Jonnie Morgan, Hleto-v of Wichita Falls (Wichita Falls, l-7l). 3 Civil Aeronaut! '3 Board, Cent.-dl Airlinez Route 81 Invest igation (Wichita Falls, 19er7.' 4 Morgan. Leagiae of Women Voters. Morgan. 7 Civil Aeronautics Board. o Interview. Mrs. Louise Easter, Secretary, Wichita Falls Municipal Airport. (Records). 9 Interview, Mr. Walt Cowser, Director, Wichita Falls Huniciral Airport. (Records). Mrs, Easter,(Records). Mr. Cowser, (Records). •""^Street Map - Wichita Falls -^^Ibid. 14 Civil Aeronautics Board. •^Interview, Mr. Walt Cowser, Director, Wichita Falls Municipal Airport. "^^. S, Department of Commerce, Local Cllmatolo-ical Data: Wichita Falls (Asheville,1973). •'•'^Ibid. 18 Mr^ Go";;ser. -^^Ibid. 20iMd. TT| I - I 21 Mr. Walt Cowser (Records). 22 Ibid, ^^Ibid. 24 Civil Aeronautics Board. ^^Ibid. Arnold W. Thompson, " Airport and Terminal Planning and Design", Architectural Record.(October. 1972). 27 William B, Foxhall, "Airports", Architectural Record, (August, 1968), Mr. Cowser. ^^Ibid. 30 Mr. Cowser (Records), 31 Joseph De Chira, and John Hancock Callendar, Time Saver Standards for Bui].ding Types. (New York, 1973). I i ^^Ibid. ^^Ibid. ^^Ibid. ^^Ibid. ^^Ibid. 37 ^ Ihompson, ,:,i^::-i^. . g^ssSH^di^^ttaaKi^ ^f^a BIBLIOGRAPHY BOOKS: De Chira, Joseph and Callendar, John Hancock. Time Saver Standards for Buildinp; Types. New York, 1973, Civil Aeronautics Board. Central Airlines Route 81 Investi^^ation, Wichita Falls, I966, League of Women Voters. Focus on Wichita Falls. Wichita F'alls, 1964, Morgan, Jonnie, History of Wichita Falls. Wichita Falls, 1971. U, S, Department of Commerce, Local Climatological Data: Wichita Falls. Asheville (NC), 1973. Wichita Falls Board of Commerce and Industry, Wichita Falls: The City With Happy Faces, Wichita Falls, 19V4. MAGAZINES: Thompson, Arnold W, " Airport and Terminal Planning; and Design." Architectural Record. (October 1972), 127-"1'^2. Foxhall,William B. " Airports," Architectural Record, (August 1968), 123-146. PAMPHIfiTS: Continental Airlines. "Wichita Falls Quick Reference Schedule", Effective October 27, 197^- Rio Airways, " Flight Timetable", November 1, 197^. Street Map - Wichita Falls, Texas International Airlines, " Domestic and International Timetable ", October 1, 197^. INTERVIEWS: Mr. Walt Cowser, Director, Wichita. Falls Municipal Airport. Mrs, Louise Easter, Secretary, Wichita Falls Municipal Airpoit, •Records of the WicMta Falls Municipal Airport were consulted "by Mr. Cowser and Mrs. Easter, V..'i 'rnni 8 Appendix PUNNING FOR THE lARGE:-:? JETS The Schematic below illustrate planning for the newest, most modern large jest available, should that become necessary. ict of new planes on terminal design dy by American Airlines of the dimensions apacities of new ind developing aircraft, lined with projections of future Irattic, re- i in a series of charts and diagrams v;su.i!- new limits and area requirements that will to the new generation of airports. A sclec- )f exhibits from this series follows Not ac T»1L ted for in the studv, but perhaps capable of Mt:0MT5 >olation by inference, is Lockheed's giant jaiaxy. A military transport 268 feet long OCK) /' ^ 5 feet high, the C-5 dramatically passed its •i lest flight early in July. Lockheed plans a in version, the L-500, for about 1971. In an ssenger configuration, it could carry about people. SANATIVE FUSELAGE SIZES r^ ^ ^\ •V^ - 0» I X^^Qi t'f" PLANNINC FOR THE LARGEST JETS The Schematics below illustrate planning for the newest, most modem jets available, should that become necessary. ONCOURSE PLAN (Schematic only) BsFint class teCabin £11 WICHITA FAUS AIRPORT: a documentation James M, Groves Architecture ^'-2^ May 2, 1975 X •»• r^ii WICHITA FALLS AIRjr-^ORT: a docu:^:entation I. Introduction II, Premises A. Ease of Operation B. Scale of small airpoii:s C. Drama of flying III, Design Concepts A, Location of new site B, Cluster arrangement for facilities C, Power in and out for airlines D, Jetways for passe*nger convience E, Parking relationship with convience F, Scale of structures G, Drama of airport IV. Contributions to Architecture V. Materials summary N .J>^m^^i^^mmi^m^mm.^^^KK^tm^.^'JJii The desire to demonstrate functional design in a small airport situation; combined with the airport needs of Wichita Falls were the basic needs which provided the foundation for the design of Wichita Falls Airport. The following is an explanation of the design of the re sultant facility that was created to meet these goals. The tiiree basic premised that contributed to the final goal were: ease of continued operation; scale; and drama. These led to numerous design concepts. A small airport should function conviently during con tinued operation. It should make the business of air travel convient for both the air traveler and the airlines. This feature is to be considered above all others; because if the airport has failed in this goal; the others are not important. The airport, small or otherwise; has to be well organized, and the circulation of various functions given consideration. Circulation of various functions would include passengers, and their various movements through different areas of the building; auto traffic; visitors; employees; and various equipment. The design should be a workable synthesis of these circulation patterns. This facility must also contribute to the profitability, In addition to ease of operation the issue of scale is also important. From an esthetic point of view; it is the most imppr- tant aspect. At most airports outside the large metropolitan cities; the terminal building is dwarfed by the airplane itself. This is perhaps the most difficult aspect of the design of a small '\ ^^"i^m airport. This is especially Important in an airport that services only a couple of planes at a time. Airplanes cur rently in service at Wichita Falls include the Boeing 727-200 series, a plane over one hundred fifty feet long. Not to be overlooked is the dramatic aspect of the design. Most people who come to an airport this size like to fly; as opposed to the hundreds of commuters at the big city airports accross the country. Therefore, if there is to be a central "theme" to follow; it should definitely be "flying". This and the proceeding two premises were the basic thoughts at the outset of the design process that led to the design con cepts to be discussed at more detail in the ensuing para graphs. In relating design concepts to the first premise; that being a small airport should provide for ease of continued op eration, the first aspect to consider is the site and the site location. ( See additional page of slides.) Before discussing the site; clarification is needed as to the title of the thesis itself. " Wichita Falls Airport" would be a popular term used; hence the title. In actuality, however, the thesis project is a terminal build ing, plus the aprons surrounding it, access roads, and fuSl supply station, the termin^cal building of course is of major conse- quense in design. The runways, control tower, taxiways, fire station, and support equipment do not appear as a part of the project because ( as explained in the program) are a part of Sheppard Air Force Base, and as such, the City of Wichita Palls pays Sheppard. Numerous improvements have been made, some of which have been done since the program was written. Qrginally it was intended that all new airport devel opment would be on the exact site of the present Wichita Falls Municipal Airport. After much investigation was conducted, this idea was vetoed in favor of a new site near the existing air port facilities. The new site selected borders Sheppard Air Force Base on the eastern boundary of the base property at the intersection of Emmert Road. (See accomi)aning map.) The reason: to avoid iong taxi distances that are the current practice, and to.remove future development from a some what limited existing site. An article in the Texas Monthly, April, 1975, entitled "The Most Dangerous Airports in Texas" , helps to explain this fact. " The best airports some times show up in the least expected places. Consider Wichita Falls I its runway is 13,100 feet long and 3OO feet wide, the longest commercial runway in the state. As passengers arriving at Wichita Falls know, commercial aircraft must taxi an end less distance to the remote terminal building. Along the way they encounter some of the few risks at this exceptionally safe airport: exits sharply right-angled to the runways, and narrow taxiways." The location is excellent, in that safety and taxi distance are improved - providing easier operation. The site is also more naturally attractive than the existing. -mn The control tower can provide better ground supervision , as it: lies directly across the airfield. The physical layout of the airport is also important. The functions of the airlines were clustered. Important, when the airlines operate with few employees as possible. For example, the ticket counter, baggage make-up, baggage claim, offices, and that particular airline's airplane parking area are all located near one another. Rio Airways' operations are confined to a small area, so as to permit a 3-man operation. The depar ture lounges are of open concept, to allow for flexibility and ease of passenger movement until departure time due to an initial security check upon entering the area. The airport is laid out so as to permit a power in and out operation of the qirplanes. Aircraft of the Boeing 727-200, 7071 and 737» as well as the Douglass DC-9 and others can pull up to the gate, and upon leaving I pull away on their own power. This factor, along with reduced taxiway time, provides convience; important in an airport at which planes come and go in the shortest possible time. This necessitated a greater distance between gate positions and stronger structure and facade to withstand jet blasts. But however, additional crew and push-out tractors are eliminated- reducing the airlines' operations expenses. Great care was given to making the airlines' operations efficient and simple, as this results in a net concience factor the individual passenger. >, Mechanical jetways are used to connect the departure areas Inside the terminal. This was done to provide passenger convience during incliment weather, give the airport a "big airport" feeling and as a safety factor, to keep passengers off the apron area, away from equipment. The use of jetways dictat ed a two - level terminal arrangement; so the departure areas and offices were placed on a mezzanine level. Of great importance in any airport is the parking scheme. Parking as close to the ticketing area and the arrival points are of the greatest importance. By putting the parking on top of the terminal; the walking distance is reduced only to the p&int of walking to the elevator area- a great convinience. The parking is entered by a spiral ramp off the main access road. Interior vertical circulation is accomplished by means of in terior ramps. The raised parking also serves an esthetic fun« ctlon. The concrete apron for airplanes is of necessity. But, elevated parking eliminates the sea of asphalt and cars in front of the building; providing visual relief. The parking garage theme cnntributes greatly to the scale Issue. The structure is actually a building built over the terminal building. This reaches a height of about fifty feet — taller than the tail of an airplane. The airplane now does not overpower. This is an important factor, considering many people coming to Wichita Falls, will see this bulling before any others in town. The natural trees on the site ( see slide). V -ai N ^^P" were left to provide a screen from Sheppard; and to provide a surprise effect to the passenger taxing to the terminal for the first time. Not to be lost is the dramatic - esthetic aspect of the building. Contllevers were used to make the suspended parking building appear powerful; and to provide sun con trol in a building that faces East and West with glass walls. Ceilings were made rather high to give a feeling of space and openess. The restaurant was put on a raised level to give a vertical element to the overall structure, and to create an otvlous attraction in an attempt to get people into the test- aurant. Care was given to provide an interior parapet so as to screen the parking lot from the diners when they are seated. The restaurant provides an excellent view of downtown Wichita Falls and Sheppard, The reflecting pool serves both as an esthetic aspect and a practical aspect. The mechanical cooling system is J accomplished by running the cooling system water throu^ the circulating fountains. Wichita Falls Aiiport was conceived as a place where people, planes, and autos come together. The resultant design is an eDq>rBssion of that idea, providing ease of operation at an appriate scale combined with esthetics. ."^, \j \ tb l^^ V,- \ '-),' / »«{•*«•• ft« *«*Ct tAW A\^ DC DC , ci«*\^n •mfff rr 1——;-t-^' ^'.7 ^ M •- : « •> 1 y-Cc-^.r •JC;_V ,-- ^: I i ' i ! i s « I !Mit I* Of r^n" AIRPORT tfcra. ;: *%>»<*'"* <«'^-.«.« •*•'••• e • I • • f » li / i^tjiLi; -r^ fa«a '<•• «;\ ^>^V^'< '7 I »,e.««''>'*Y -:! turn. ftSkJlJ |1 i^! laJ_lJ,):-| =N I .^.•.«.I ^r. »"• N :•/"•.! .K • •••"' ...Ui.*.^ ,v:w<»' ^* 1 MATERIALS SUT-TMARY Interior Areas; Ticketing Lobby — Ceiling: Integrated Suspended Ceiling, incorporating lirhting, and air handling equipment. Walls: Drywall and Walls of Glass Floors: Terrazo Offices — Ceiling: Suspended Walls: Drywall Floors: Vinyl Tile Baggage Make-Up — Ceiling: Suspended Walls: Concrete Block Floors: Concrete Baggage Claim — Ceiling: Integrated Suspended Ceiling, incorporating lightir..g, and air handling equipment. Walls: Drywall Floors: Terrazo Administrative Offices — Ceiling: Integrated Suspended Ceiling, incorporating lighting, and air handling equipment. Walls: Drywall, paneled Floors: Carpet Departure Lounges — Ceiling: Integrated Suspended Ceiling, incorporating lighting, and air handling equipment. Walls: Drywall and Glass Floors: Commercial Carpet \ -.^ mm Restaui-ant — Ceiling: Plaster Walls: Drywall and Glass Floors: Commercial Carpet Rest Rooms — Ceiling: Suspended Walls: Mosaic Ceramic Tile Floors: Mosaic Ceramic Tile Exterior Areas; Parking Structure+- Prestressed concrete beams combined with prestressed concrete tees and cross beams. The elevator is of slip-form construction, (concrete), and is load - bearjmg. Exterior facade is of oxidizing steel. Terminal Building and Restaurant — Masonry construction incor porating bronze glass and buff• colored brick. Parking Ramps — Reinforced concrete (warm-tone) faced with oxidizing steel.