DY Consultants worked on the team selected to review and analyze procedures and practices at JFK and recommend improvements that would increase the Operational Efficiency of JFK International Airport.
DY Consultants coordinated with JFK ATCT officials as well as TRACON officials to discuss current procedures / practices that impact efficiency both within the airspace surrounding JFK as well as on the ground.
These included:
- Current procedures utilized by FAA to sequence aircraft between runways and unit terminals
- FAA procedures for maximizing existing runway capacity
- How operations are managed when Severe Weather Avoidance Procedures (SWAP) conditions are in effect
- Procedures for managing cargo and GA traffic
- TRACON operational procedures and the impact of regional airspace conflicts on JFK airport operations
A significant improvement investigated was the shifting of Runway 13L-31R 550 ft to the northeast to allow for a holding pad to be constructed between the runway and the Central Terminal Area. The holding pad would improve the operational efficiency of the airport by providing a pad to accommodate departures waiting for clearances as well as arrivals waiting on gate availability.
DY Consultants analyzed FAA Airport Design Standards, such as threshold siting criteria, Runway Safety Areas, Object Free Areas, runway and taxiway separation distances, to ensure functionality. The firm studied how the existing level of instrument approaches could be reinstalled on the shifted runway. This involved analyzing functional locations for Glide Slopes, Localizers, Approach Lighting Systems and other Navigational Aides. DY developed associated taxiway alignments that would provide for a more efficient layout to support the shifted Runway 13L-31R.
A detailed and complete cost estimate for shifting this runway was provided as a guide for future planning.