SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS AND RISK ASSESSMENT PROPOSED NEW SKYDIVING OPERATIONS VENICE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT

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5 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS AND RISK ASSESSMENT PROPOSED NEW SKYDIVING OPERATIONS VENICE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT The City of Venice, owner and operator of the Venice Municipal Airport (VNC), received a request to establishing a commercial skydiving operation. VNC has not previously accommodated skydiving operations on a routine basis. VNC is classified by the FAA as having national significance and serves as a reliever airport to the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) located 20 nautical miles to the north. VNC can be characterized as a busy general aviation supporting 50-60,000 operations annually by all types of general aviation aircraft. It does not have an air traffic control tower. The City, in consultation with its commercial aeronautical tenants, has initiated an independent risk assessment of various elements relevant to the proposed skydiving operation at VNC. Supplemental information is attached where appropriate. It is anticipated that FAA will review this assessment and use the information to facilitate a formal safety risk management analysis to determine whether skydiving operations can be accommodated safely at VNC, and if so, what risk mitigation measures should be implemented to maximize safety. Note: The following risk assessment is an adaptation of the draft Appendix 2 Risk Assessment for Parachute Operations at an Airport. The form is presumably under consideration to be included in FAA Order , Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS). The form was significantly reorganized to follow major components of the airport environment and operational characteristics. Elements of the risk assessment were reworded to better conform to a proposal to start a new skydiving operation where none existed before at VNC. Additionally, where standard risk mitigation measures refer to revising Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the Sponsor has limited authority to deviate from guidance published in the FAA s Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) but will consider the establishment and publication of best practices for alerting pilots to the presence of skydiving operations in the airport environment. 1. Drop Zone Area AIRPORT LOCATION Is there an area suitable on the airport to accommodate skydiving operations? If so, does the center of the drop zone meet the recommended minimum safe distances from hazards and NAVAIDS for the appropriate skydiver experience level or activity? In 2012, FAA published draft standards for the design of parachute landing areas (PLAs) to be included as Appendix 19 of AC , Airport Design. Subsequently, FAA published AC A which superseded the earlier document but did not include any guidance regarding PLAs. In the absence of FAA guidance, the City is using the USPA recommended standards for drop zone dimensions based on levels of proficiency. The current USPA recommended unobstructed drop zone dimensions (radii) include: Class* Proficiency or Activity DZ Clearance (Radius) Area I Solo students & A-license holders 328 ft (100m) 7.75 ac II B- and C-license holders and all tandem skydives 164 ft (50m) 1.94 ac III D-license holders 39 ft (12m) 0.11 ac * Classes added to differentiate between various DZ activity & dimensions 1 VNC SMS Evaluation Form rev. 8/18/2015

6 The establishment of a drop zone to support proposed tandem skydiving operations will require a minimum parcel with a radius of 164 feet (Class II) clear of any and all existing or potential hazard. A preliminary site analysis for the establishment of a Class II drop zone at VNC identified three sites at various locations on the airfield capable of meeting these criteria. (See Exhibit A). * Drop Zone operations capable of meeting minimum dimensional standards for safety * Drop Zone capable of accommodating activity for most general wind conditions * Proximity to active runway and traffic patterns * Pre-Mitigation Remote Minor MEDIUM Risk mitigation measures that could be implemented: Locate the DZ site to avoid existing or potential hazards Locate the DZ site away from airfield runway safety/object free areas Locate DZ site to avoid conflicts with airport NAVAIDS and visual aids Incorporate the DZ into the ALP Post-Mitigation 2. Airport Traffic Patterns Will the Drop Zone be located on the opposite the runway(s) established traffic pattern? VNC has two active runways. A standard left hand traffic pattern is established for Runway 5, 13, and 31. Runway 13 has a non-standard right hand pattern. Runway 23 is the preferred runway direction (weather permitting) for departures and Runway 5 is the preferred arrival runway. Local pilots have indicated that it is a common practice to overfly the airport at 2,000 3,000 before entering the traffic pattern. Location of the DZ Sites Relative to Runway Traffic Patterns Runway Pattern DZ-1 DZ-2 DZ-3 Runway 5 Left I I O Runway 23 Left O O I Runway 13 Right O O O Runway 31 Left O O O Note: I = inside/o=outside The primary goal of the DZ location relative to the traffic pattern is the ability to avoid conflicts with aircraft operating in the pattern. This does not take into account skydivers approaching the DZ downwind prior to turning upwind to land. The DZ s proximity to the runway may require skydivers to cross the traffic pattern depending on wind conditions. (See Exhibit B) * Skydiving operations crossing active traffic pattern(s) * Skydiving operations occurring too close to active runway 2 VNC SMS Evaluation Form rev. 8/18/2015

7 * Pre-Mitigation Remote Major MEDIUM Risk mitigation measures that could be implemented: Non-standard traffic pattern (RW 5 right hand turns) Locate DZ to avoid active runway traffic patterns Post-Mitigation 3. Airport Ground Operations Would skydiving operation ground vehicles and pedestrians (skydivers and visitors) routinely cross a runway, taxiway, or Runway Safety Area (RSA)? Note: Routine runway/taxiway crossings are defined as crossings that would be part of the skydiving operator s standard operating procedures for their skydiving activities. Based on the preliminary identification of suitable sites for locating a drop zone on-airport, operations at DZ-1 and DZ-2 will require the crossing of Taxiway A, which leads directly to the ends of Runway 13 and Runway 23. Since it parallels the terminal area of the airport, Taxiway A is the busiest taxiway on the airfield. Operations involving the retrieving of skydivers will cross Taxiway A twice. * Pedestrian activity (landed skydivers) in vicinity of aircraft movement area (potential runway incursion) * Ground vehicles operating on aircraft movement area (potential runway incursion) * Pre-Mitigation Extremely Remote Minor LOW Risk mitigation measures that could be implemented Provide alternate route to avoid crossing runways/taxiways Post signs at crossing points with instructions for skydivers and pilots Provide training to skydivers regarding runway/taxiway crossing procedures Provide vehicle driver training for those assigned to recover skydivers Post-Mitigation 3 VNC SMS Evaluation Form rev. 8/18/2015

8 CURRENT AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS 4. Aircraft Activity The Venice Municipal Airport accommodates a significant number of aircraft operations. As evidence of the business of the airport, in FY 2014, aircraft activity generated fuel sales totaling 444,940 gallons. Of this, 68 percent was Jet A and 32 percent 100LL AvGas. Because the airport has deployed an active aircraft counter system, it records most all aircraft activity by time, type, and runway direction. In CY 2014, the airport logged over 53,000 operations. In 2013, 60,800 operations were recorded. Exhibit C presents a detailed breakdown of operations based on aircraft type and runway used. Exhibit D illustrates a detailed breakdown of runway use by aircraft type. VNC s aircraft counting system also offers the ability to develop aircraft peak hour operations data. Exhibit E presents the average peak hour operations by month. The data indicates that peak hours for aircraft operations consistently occur between the hours of 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Exhibit E also presents typical peak hour operations during the busiest month (March). The proposed skydive operator intends to operate hourly during the morning hours because of more favorable weather conditions, which coincide with the peak hour operations. * Congested traffic pattern * Diverse fleet mix of aircraft * Student pilots with varying degrees of proficiency and communication/language skills * Transient aircraft unaware of skydiving operations * Peak hour operations (w/skydiving) * Aircraft mix diversity (w/skydiving) Pre-Mitigation Remote Hazardous HIGH Risk mitigation measures that could be implemented: Establish and disseminate best practices for operations in the vicinity of skydiving Skydiving operator to establish and disseminate operating procedures Outreach to tenants, known users, nearby airports and regional pilot organizations Safety briefings with based tenants and known users Post-Mitigation 5. Large Aircraft Operations 4 VNC SMS Evaluation Form rev. 8/18/2015

9 Are larger aircraft taxiing or running adjacent to the drop zone, where the engine exhaust, propeller wash or wake turbulence could create a hazard for landing skydivers? Jet and turbo-prop aircraft represents over 5 percent of the total operations at the airport. It is conceivable that the thrust and wake turbulence generated by these aircraft using the runway and taxiway system may impact the DZ sites during certain wind conditions. * Large aircraft operations in vicinity of skydiving activity * Transient operations unaware of skydiving operations * Pre-Mitigation Extremely Remote Minor LOW Risk mitigation measures that could be implemented: Locate the DZ site to avoid existing or potential hazards Post signs advising pilots and skydivers of possible hazard by prop wash or jet blast to personnel near the DZ Establish and disseminate rules and regulations for ground operations Skydiving operator to establish and disseminate ground operating procedures Coordinate safety briefings with large aircraft operators known to use VNC Post-Mitigation 6. Military Aircraft Operations Are there military aircraft using the same airspace as skydiving operations? There are no based military operations at VNC. The Coast Guard uses the airport occasionally (1-3 times per month) for helicopter training. Army Blackhawk helicopters also use VNC on occasion. * Military helo operations in vicinity of skydiving activity * Helo traffic patterns established to avoid fixed wing operations * Transient military operations unaware of skydiving operations * Pre-Mitigation Extremely Remote Major MEDIUM Risk mitigation measures that could be implemented Facilitate formal communications between known military unit(s) and skydive operator Coordinate safety briefings with military units known to use VNC 5 VNC SMS Evaluation Form rev. 8/18/2015

10 Post-Mitigation 7. Helicopter Operations Are there any routine helicopter operations (emergency medical services, law enforcement, flight school, etc.) conducted at the airport? Per Item 5, Coast Guard and other military helicopters occasionally use VNC. There are no Helicopter Emergency Medical Services based at VNC. EMS operations use VNC occasionally (1-4 flights per month) for inter-facility transfers, fuel, and/or positioning aircraft. There is a Sarasota County Sheriff s Department helicopter unit based at VNC. Routine, emergency, and training operations are conducted frequently (3 flights daily on average). There are three (3) helicopters based at VNC used for business and personal use. There is no established heliport or other designated area specified exclusively for helicopter operations. * Helo operations in vicinity of skydiving activity * Helo traffic patterns established to avoid fixed wing operations * Transient helicopter operations unaware of skydiving operations * Pre-Mitigation Remote Major MEDIUM Risk mitigation measures that could be implemented: Facilitate formal communications between known helo operators and skydive operator Safety briefings with based helicopter tenants and known regional helicopter users Post-Mitigation 8. Light Sport and Other Aircraft Operations Are there light sport, ultralight, glider, or agricultural (Ag) airplane operations being conducted at the airport or through the drop zone airspace? There are approximately 15 assorted LSAs, ultralight aircraft, gliders, and powered parachutes based at VNC. These and other aircraft frequently use the airfield. * Ultralight and powered parachutes operations in vicinity of skydiving activity * Non-standard traffic patterns established to avoid regular fixed wing operations * 6 VNC SMS Evaluation Form rev. 8/18/2015

11 Pre-Mitigation Remote Hazardous HIGH Risk mitigation measures that could be implemented: Safety briefings with based tenants and known users Outreach to regional airports, FBO s, flying clubs and pilot organizations Post-Mitigation 9. Flight Training Operations Do student pilots routinely use Airport. If so, how many student take-offs and landings occur per day (daylight hours)? VNC has one based flight school as a tenant. In additional several regional flight schools use VNC as an approved airport for flight training. In 2014, over 23,400 local operations (average = 64 daily operations) were logged at VNC representing 44 percent of total operations. Other regional flight schools use VNC as a preferred destination for student cross-country flights. * Flight training operations in vicinity of skydiving activity * Novice pilots * English language communication issues * Pre-Mitigation Remote Hazardous HIGH Risk mitigation measures that could be implemented: Facilitate formal communications between known flight schools and skydive operator Safety briefings with based flight instructors and flight schools Outreach to regional flight schools Post-Mitigation AIR TRAFFIC / COMMUNICATIONS 10. Airport Procedures Does the airport have written airport procedures for skydiving operations? Is there a procedure for notifying airport users of changes to the airport procedures? 7 VNC SMS Evaluation Form rev. 8/18/2015

12 The City has posted a webpage Flying Friendly which depicts the airfield s standard and nonstandard traffic patterns and other recommended practices. Otherwise, the City has relied on standard FAA publications such as the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) to promulgate safe flying practices. Since VNC has not previously supported skydiving operations, the City s current rules and regulations and other documents would be revised to include skydiving operations. These procedures would likely be limited to ground based operations and recommended best practices since the FAA has jurisdiction for the airspace surrounding VNC. In addition, the City has only limited capability to disseminate operating best practices among the breadth of pilots that can reasonably be anticipated to utilize a general aviation reliever airport classified as having national significance by the FAA Asset Study. Best practices are not typically published in the A/FD, charts, NOTAMS or on the AWOS. These best practices would be consistent with FAA regulations and guidelines promoted by the USPA. Input from the proposed skydiving operator(s) and airport tenants will also be considered. Once an acceptable set of best practices have been developed, they would be distributed to airport tenants and users through the City s Airport webpage and other established communications channels. (See Exhibit F.) * Transient pilots unaware of airport rules and regulations * Limited FAA regulations regarding the safe conduct of skydiving activities in a congested and dynamic operating environment like VNC * Limited ability of the airport sponsor to establish, disseminate and enforce procedures for aircraft in flight * Pre-Mitigation Remote Major MEDIUM Risk mitigation measures that could be implemented: Publish skydiving information at Establish and disseminate best practices for flight training in the vicinity of skydiving Skydiving operator to establish and disseminate operating procedures Outreach to tenants, known users, nearby airports and regional pilot organizations Safety briefings with based tenants and known users Post-Mitigation 11. Air Traffic Procedures Does the airport have an operating airport traffic control tower (ATCT)? If not, can skydiving operations be announced over the airport s UNICOM or CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency)? 8 VNC SMS Evaluation Form rev. 8/18/2015

13 VNC is a busy general aviation airport with an average of aircraft peak hour operations during the day but does not have an air traffic control tower. The Airport s CTAF ( ) is used for aviators to make position announcements and state intentions. During peak periods, there have been episodes where pilots have a difficult time making position announcements and are sometimes blocked by simultaneous transmissions. Written comments have been received indicating that during peak periods, the traffic pattern gets too busy to safely depart VNC. There are also times when transmissions from aircraft using neighboring airports (especially TPF located 50 miles north) that share the same CTAF frequency bleed over and are intermingled with radio calls from VNC users. It should also be noted that aircraft are NOT required to have nor use aviation radios while operating at VNC. Skydiving operations will require use of the CTAF to announce activity in progress and will add to the existing frequency congestion. * Congested transmissions * Blocked transmissions * Unannounced traffic * Pre-Mitigation Remote Hazardous HIGH Risk mitigation measures that could be implemented: Change to discrete CTAF frequency Skydiving operator use CTAF to inform local traffic of skydiving operations in progress Post-Mitigation 12. Air Traffic Control Would FAA ATC (Air Traffic Control) need to vector aircraft through the airspace being used by skydiving operations? Victor Airway V-579 follows the 161 radial from the Sarasota VOR. V-579 runs northwest/southeast 2 miles east of the airport. V-579 is the primary airway for aircraft traveling north/south along the east coast of Florida. (See Exhibit G) While the airport is not served by an air traffic control tower, the airspace above and adjacent to VNC is controlled by Tampa Approach Control. Because of the altitudes used by skydiver operations (often up to 13,500 msl) and the proximity of V-579, coordination with Tampa Approach will be required. It will be a responsibility of the skydive operator to obtain the requisite Letter of Agreement with FAA. Many high-performance aircraft (e.g., jets) approaching VNC are handed off by Tampa Approach to the CTAF frequency within 5 miles of the airport, Conversely, aircraft departing VNC contact Tampa Approach soon after takeoff. Both scenarios add complexity to the air traffic environment. 9 VNC SMS Evaluation Form rev. 8/18/2015

14 Also of note, the Airport is situated on the west coast of Florida. Aircraft often travel north/south following the coastline and often without contacting ATC. VFR aircraft may transition the airport s airspace without communicating via CTAF. * Skydivers transitioning through congested airspace and airway routes * Blocked transmissions * Unannounced traffic * Pre-Mitigation Remote Hazardous HIGH Risk mitigation measures that could be implemented Change to discrete CTAF frequency Facilitate formal communications with ATC FAA/Operator: Develop Letter of Agreement between ATC and skydiving operator ATC: Establish distinct transponder code for skydiving aircraft. Note: These mitigation measures will be the responsibility of the skydive operator and FAA. Post-Mitigation 10 VNC SMS Evaluation Form rev. 8/18/2015

15 13. Skydiving Operations Notifications & Publications Will NOTAMs, AWOS (Automated Weather Observing System) broadcasts, and the parachute symbol on the appropriate Sectional Chart be used to advise aeronautical users of the skydiving operations at the airport? If skydiving operations are approved for VNC and a drop zone is established, all appropriate notifications will be published to notify aeronautical users of skydiving activities at the airport. * Transient pilots unaware of skydiving activity at airport * Non-radio aircraft using airport * Pre-Mitigation Remote Major MEDIUM Risk mitigation measures that could be implemented: Publish skydiving information in the Airport Master Record Issue NOTAM for skydiving operations Append message regarding skydiving on AWOS Communication over UNICOM/CTAF Publish skydiving information at Have parachuting symbol depicted on appropriate Sectional Chart if eligible. Use visual indicators (flags, banners, etc.) on the airport to alert pilots of skydiving operations in progress Establish and disseminate best practices in the vicinity of skydiving Skydiving operator to establish and disseminate operating procedures Outreach to tenants, known users, nearby airports and regional pilot organizations Post-Mitigation 14. Other Considerations Additional safety observations not covered by questions 1 12 that could create a hazard between the skydiver and an operating aircraft needs to be brought to the attention of the review panel for assessment. List any additional concerns/observations below for assessment: Review of NASA s Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) indicated over 400 reports between 1998 and 2015 that were directed related to skydiving. The following is a tabulation of the reports classified by the general nature of each specific report. 11 VNC SMS Evaluation Form rev. 8/18/2015

16 ASRS Skydiving Reports ( ) Description Reports Percent Conflict with skydiver with or without parachute deployed in the vicinity of the airport, including in the traffic pattern, on approach or departure Conflict with skydiving aircraft in the vicinity of the airport, including in the traffic pattern, on approach or departure Skydiving aircraft or parachute maintenance issue, incident or accident, including fuel exhaustion Conflict with skydiver with or without parachute deployed not in the vicinity of the airport between 1,000-14,000 AGL Conflict with skydiving aircraft not in the vicinity of the airport between 1,000-14,000 AGL Other Source: 12 VNC SMS Evaluation Form rev. 8/18/2015

17 Exhibit A PROPOSED DROP ZONES Venice Municipal Airport

18 Exhibit B RUNWAY TRAFFIC PATTERNS Venice Municipal Airport

19 Exhibit C Airport Operations (FY ) Venice Municpal Airport Runway Use RW FY 2013 FY 2014 Total Ops Percent RW 23 16,028 18,300 34, RW 5 16,498 15,540 32, RW 13 19,202 10,214 29, RW 31 5,822 7,294 13, N/A 3,284 1,704 4, Total 60,834 53, , Aircraft Type Type FY 2013 FY 2014 Total Ops Percent Piston 21,032 22,376 43, Jet 1,744 2,034 3, TurboProp , N/A 37,344 27,902 65, Total 60,834 53, , Bi Directional Runway Use RW FY 2013 FY 2014 Total Ops Percent RW 5/23 32,526 33,840 66, RW 13/31 25,024 17,508 42, N/A 3,284 1,704 4, Total 60,834 53, , VNC RW Use by Aircraft Type 43,408 Piston Jet 65,246 TurboProp N/A 3,778 1,454 Source: Vector Airport Solutions Notes: RW 23 Preferred Departure Runway RW 5 Preferred Arrival Runway RW 13 Right hand Traffic Pattern

20 Exhibit D Runway Utilization by Aircraft Type (FY ) Venice Municpal Airport Piston TurboProp RW FY 2013 FY 2014 Total Ops Percent RW FY 2013 FY 2014 Total Ops Percent RW 5 5,506 5,590 11, RW RW 23 5,530 7,280 12, RW RW 13 7,230 4,830 12, RW RW 31 1,038 3,728 4, RW N/A 1, , N/A Total 21,032 22,376 43, Total , Jet N/A RW FY 2013 FY 2014 Total Ops Percent RW FY 2013 FY 2014 Total Ops Percent RW RW 5 10,562 9,464 20, RW , RW 23 9,770 10,194 19, RW RW 13 11,248 4,906 16, RW RW 31 4,710 3,318 8, N/A , N/A 1, , Total 1,744 2,034 3, Total 37,344 27,902 65, Source: Vector Airport Solutions Notes: RW 23 - Preferred Departure Runway RW 5 - Preferred Arrival Runway RW 13 - Right-hand Traffic Pattern VNC Runway Use 5% 37% 58% RW 5/23 RW 13/31 N/A

21 12a 1a 2a 3a 4a 5a 6a 7a 8a 9a 10a 11a 12p 1p 2p 3p 4p 5p 6p 7p 8p 9p 10p 11p Exhibit E PEAK HOUR OPERATIONS Venice Municipal Airport Venice Municipal Airport Average Peak Hour Aircraft Operations Hour Time Avg Peak Hour a a a a a a a a a a a a p p p p p p p p p p p p 3 Total Operations VNC Average Peak Hour Ops (FY 2014) Source: Vector Airport Solutions Peak Hour by Month (FY 2014) a 1a 2a 3a 4a 5a 6a 7a 8a 9a 10a 11a 12p 1p 2p 3p 4p 5p 6p 7p 8p 9p 10p 11p Oct Jul Apr Jan Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

22 Exhibit E (con't) PEAK HOUR AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS (By Month) Venice Municipal Airport Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hour Time Max Ops Max Ops Max Ops Max Ops Max Ops Max Ops Max Ops Max Ops Max Ops Max Ops Max Ops Max Ops Max Ops per Hour a a a a a a a a a a a a p p p p p p p p p p p p Max Ops/Hr Note: Gold highlighted cells >= 56 ops/hr Source: Vector Airport Solutions

23 Exhibit F AIRPORT PROCEDURES WEBSITE Venice Municipal Airport

24 Note: V-579 located 2 miles east Exhibit G AREA AIRSPACE Venice Municipal Airport