ACRP is soliciting Letters of Interest from those interested in performing the research work. A cover letter plus a resume or CV should convey a concise idea of your knowledge of the topic and your related work and experience in the subject area. A statement that you can comply with the terms of the contract should be included. A panel of topic experts will select the contractor at their first panel meeting. The deadline for letters of interest is February 2, 2026 by 5pm eastern and can be submitted at https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8553743/ACRP-Synthesis-LOI-2026

Tentative Scope

General aviation (GA) airports across the United States face increasing pressure to develop sustainable funding sources while maintaining fair and competitive pricing strategies. Landing fees represent a significant potential source of revenue, yet there is little consistency in how these fees are established or structured. GA airports do not have a standard way to determine fee schedules that balance operational costs, market competitiveness, and stakeholder expectations. Recent ACRP reports have addressed topics related to airport operations and finance, but not specifically the determination of landing fees at GA airports. Other industry research tends to focus on commercial service airports or on general airport funding strategies without a detailed examination of landing fee methodologies. This synthesis will fill focus on the unique considerations and challenges faced by GA airports.

The objective of this synthesis is to document practices for determining landing fees for aircraft at general aviation airports.

Information to be described in a concise report includes (but is not limited to): 

•  A literature review of published research, regulatory guidance, and industry standards regarding airport landing fees.
•  Identifying current approaches and methodologies used by GA airports to set landing fees.
• Identifying factors influencing fee structures, including airport size, location, traffic mix, and stakeholder input.
• Documenting how airport operators establish or revise landing fee policies.
• Case examples highlighting strategies, challenges, successes, and lessons learned of GA airports approach to landing fees.

Information will be collected through literature review, a survey of airports if applicable, and interviews with selected airports for the development of case examples. Knowledge gaps and suggestions for future research to address those gaps will also be identified.