The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in conjunction with the Transportation Research Board (TRB) late last month selected 21 research topics to be funded with more than $7 million in grants.

The directors of the Airport Cooperative Research Program will formally solicit proposals in June.

The approved topics and grants:

• Managing general aviation and small airports, $400,000.
• Potential deicing substitutes, $600,000.
• Managing deicing runoff, $300,000.
• Analyzing airport air pollutants, $600,000
• Addressing particulate emissions, $100,000.
• Use of LIDAR for obstruction surveys, $350,000.
• Passenger processing rates, $200,000.
• Assessing impact of incompatible land use near airports, $500,000.
• Air passenger survey methods, $250,000.
• Aircraft overrun risk analysis, $250,000.
• Detecting lightning hazards, $200,000.
• Handling a biological attack, $250,000.
• Alternatives to handle disabled passengers, $400,000.
• Airport roadway analysis, $200,000.
• Airport curbside capacity analysis, $200,000.
• Inspecting airport pavement, $350,000.
• Improved understanding of aircraft deicing requirements, $300,000.
• Establishing off-site terminals, $350,000.
• Legal aspects of airport programs, $200,000.
• Quick response to special needs, $590,000.
• Synthesis of airport research information, $500,000.

>>Details on the program: http://www4.trb.org/trb/crp.nsf/reference/appendices/ACRP+Overview<<