News

Newly Published Aviation Office 411 Guide                                                                              Posted: July 13, 2021

The Aviation Office 411 Guide provides introductory information about a variety of FDOT aviation related resources in one place with links to access online content with ease on any device. Included are links, QR codes, descriptions, and summaries for these key publications and trainings produced by the Aviation Office. 

Newly Published: 2020 FDOT Statewide Airfield Pavement Inspection Reference Manual and Distress Repair Manual                                                                                                Posted: July 8, 2021

As part of the annual Airfield Pavement Inspection and Airfield Pavement Distress Repair training, the Florida Department of Transportation has recently updated the Airfield Pavement Inspection Reference Manual and Distress Repair Manual. These manuals are intended to be used by airport personnel to assist them with daily, monthly, and yearly pavement inspections as required by the FAA and to assist them in performing basic repairs on the pavement at their airports.

The 2020 Airfield Pavement Inspection Reference Manual has been updated with the latest information from the FAA and the ASTM D5340-12 and was developed by the FDOT to assist Florida airport owner/operators to comply with the FAA Airfield pavement inspection requirements. Periodic and systematic airfield pavement inspections serve to enhance and extend the useful pavement service life and provide for the safe use of various airfield pavements throughout the airport. The various illustrations, charts and supporting information descriptions are presented to aid in the identification, severity, location, extent, and probable cause of pavement distress for both flexible and rigid airfield pavement types.

The 2020 Airfield Pavement Distress Repair Manual has been updated with the latest information from the FAA and the ASTM D5340-12. This manual was developed by the FDOT to provide airport owners/operators general guidance for the maintenance and minor repair of pavements in accordance with the FAA AC150/5380-6C Guidelines and Procedures for Maintenance of Airport Pavements. The various illustrations, charts, and supporting information descriptions are presented to aid in identifying the probable cause of pavement distress, appropriate repairs, and how to perform repairs for both flexible and rigid airfield pavement types. 

Newly Published: 2021 FDOT Aviation Emergency Response Guidebook and Basic Aircraft Guide for Emergency Responders                                                                                Posted: July 7, 2021

The Florida Department of Transportation, in cooperation with Florida airports, recently updated the Aviation Emergency Response Guidebook and the Basic Aircraft Guide for Emergency Responders to serve as resources for emergency responders, both on and off Florida’s airports. These guidebooks are tools for airport directors and staff to use  when developing, evaluating, updating, or exercising an Airport Emergency Plan, and to inform emergency responders who are not experienced with airport operations or airport emergencies.

The Aviation Emergency Response Guidebook includes a catalog of emergency types, a summary of agencies involved in emergency response, and a description of specialized equipment used during aviation emergencies. The “Best Management Practices” section of the guidebook provides procedures, policies, and ideas identified by airports in Florida that may be useful to staff at other public-use airports. The “General Information Specific to Airport Operations” section will be useful to emergency responders who are not familiar with aviation facilities. The guidebook includes templates that will help airport staff develop, evaluate, or update an airport’s emergency plan.

The Basic Aircraft Guide for Emergency Responders  includes basic terminology, aircraft photos and information, and basic airport signage. The guide is a tool to help first responders identify certain critical details about different makes and models of aircraft, such as fuel tank locations, fuel line locations, fuel capacity, battery locations, passenger capacity, the presence of ballistic recovery parachutes, and the presence of seatbelt airbags. The guide includes diagrams illustrating fuel and electrical shutdown procedures, manufacturer recommendations for fire suppression, and basic communication procedures.

Airport Data Information Portal Update                                                                             Posted: July 23, 2020

In September of 2019, the FAA rolled out a new module inside the Airport Data Information Portal (ADIP) website to collect airport and aeronautical data. That module inside the FAA’s ADIP website is the Airport Master Record (AMR) Module. This module will be the primary means of making changes electronically to an airport’s FAA Form 5010 Airport Master Record and airports are strongly encouraged to use this portal. The goal is to streamline the data or information that the FAA gathers from airport sponsors and to expedite changes to FAA publications.

Airport managers are considered a key link in the information chain and the flow of information to the FAA. Airport managers will need to register a new account for the FAA’s ADIP website at: https://adip.faa.gov/agis/public/#/public Once registered, airports can access the AMR Module in order to make any needed changes. FDOT encourages airports to review and update their 5010 at least once annually.

United We Stand Specialty License Plate
Posted: January, 2021

As you drive around Florida you will notice a variety of Florida license plate designs. In addition to the standard state license plate that is most common, Florida allows drivers to select from more than 120 unique license plates. Florida has license plates for a variety of family, environmental, charitable, and other causes. If you work in the aviation industry, enjoy recreational flying, or are concerned about our national security, you may want to consider purchasing the United We Stand specialty plate. (Created by an Act of the Florida Legislature in 2002 to support Secure Airports for Florida’s Economy.) Revenue goes to the Department of Transportation to fund security-related aviation projects pursuant to Chapter 332, Florida Statutes and to provide training related to airport security and management. Last year, security assessments were conducted at 85 airports and specific projects were funded as a result.