Technical Support
and Research

Discover how TTI researchers provide technical support and conduct research
to advance Texas aviation.

Airport Pavement Inspection
and Analysis Program

Every three years, researchers inspect pavement conditions at over 260 public airports in Texas, including runways, taxiways and aprons. These inspections assess surface distress, roughness and structural deflection using advanced tools and 360° imagery. The resulting Pavement Condition Index (PCI) scores are uploaded to an interactive GIS platform, giving decision-makers real-time insight into airfield infrastructure health.

Previous research has developed a decision-making tool to support general aviation airports in selecting the appropriate pavement preservation treatment for their airport.

A small red and white aircraft is taxiing on a runway at an airport. In the background, another small plane is landing. Three airport towers are visible against a clear blue sky.

Airport 101 Guides for Sponsors
and Management

TTI and the Texas Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division developed an Airport 101 Guide that addresses common topics and guidance for airport sponsors and managers. The Airport 101 Guide covers planning, available funding, the grant and contract process, as well as construction administration and closeout. The guide is intended to provide new airport managers with a reference as they learn the ins and outs of their new role.

Airport Cooperative Research Program Projects

TTI Researchers are actively involved in the Transportation Research Board’s Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) through serving as subject matter experts on project panels to conducting ACRP synthesis and research projects. Recent ACRP projects include:

(No. ACRP Project 11-03, Topic S02-23)

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at Airport Passenger Parking Facilities

(No. Project 11-03, Topic S01-17)

Attracting Investment at General Aviation Airports Through Public–Private Partnerships

(ACRP Research Report 191)

A Primer to Prepare for the Connected Airport and the Internet of Things

(ACRP Report 159)

Pavement Maintenance Guidelines for General Aviation Airport Management

Airport System Research and
Technical Analysis

TTI is familiar with the structure and function of the Texas Airport System and the issues it faces. TTI has leveraged that expertise to conduct research and develop tools and resources that support aviation across the state. Recent research and analysis projects undertaken by TTI staff include:

  • Development of an economic impact estimator tool that allows airports across the state to understand the potential benefits associated with new tenants or construction.
  • An airport rates and charges web-based portal that provides airport sponsors with tools to establish rates that match local conditions and fair market pricing.
  • Assessing the impact and potential collaboration opportunities between the commercial space industry and the Texas aviation system.
  • Evaluating the risk perceptions of the agricultural aircraft operations workforce.

Access to these tools is available on the resources page.

Air Cargo

TTI research on air cargo activities dates back to the 1970s, but more recently has focused on the level and types of air cargo activities found at airports in Texas. Researchers have focused attention on the landside access issues related to moving freight to and from airports throughout the state. For example, researchers supported a 2012 project that examined air cargo activity in the 10-state Mississippi Valley Freight Coalition Region in a joint project with researchers at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Texas A&M Transportation Institute Logo
The University of Wisconsin Madison Logo