An Airport Master Plan is a document that represents the long-term (20-year period) development goals of an airport and is typically reviewed and updated every 5 to 10 years. The Airport Master Plan provides the following:

• A graphic presentation of the future development of the airport and anticipated land uses in the vicinity of the airport;

• A recommended phasing schedule for development;

• An achievable financial plan;

• Justification for the plan technically and procedurally; and

• An implementation plan that satisfies local, state, and federal regulations.

 The purpose of the study is to identify short and long-term needs of the airport, its tenants, users, and the flying public.  The master plan provides the framework to guide future airport growth.

The master planning process will be guided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Bureau of Aviation (BOA), and the Lancaster Airport Authority.

The FAA prescribes the components of an Airport Master Plan Study in its Advisory Circular (AC) 150/5070-6B, Airport Master Plans. 

The components of a Master Plan may include the following:

• Study design and identification of issues

• Inventory, surveys, and data collection

• Environmental overview

• Aviation forecasts

• Aviation demand capacity and analysis

• Facility requirements

• Alternative development

• Financial feasibility/Implementation plan for development

• Airport Layout Plan (ALP) drawing set in accordance with federal airport operating and design standards

The major deliverables of the process are the Airport Master Plan Narrative Report and the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) set. The ALP set is the scaled, graphical representation of the existing and future airport facilities.

The most recent planning document for LNS was completed in the 2006 timeframe, almost 20 years ago.  Since that time, LNS has experienced significant changes in aviation operations and activity, and the airport has completed many safety, capacity, and preservation projects as recommended in the previous plan. The regulations and design standards in the aviation industry have also changed since the previous plan was prepared. 

The Lancaster Airport Authority has contracted with Delta Airport Consultants, Inc. and its team of sub consultants to develop the Master Plan Update for LNS. 

The Master Plan Update is funded jointly by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Bureau of Aviation (BOA), and the Airport Authority. Typically, federal funding is provided by the FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP). AIP is funded by aviation user fees deposited in the federal aviation trust fund for the purpose of improving the nation's aviation infrastructure.  Funding for airport improvements by the state of Pennsylvania is administered by the PennDOT BOA.  A portion of state aviation funds are derived from jet fuel sales.  Additional funds are from the Transportation Assistance Program within the Commonwealth’s General Fund.

The target project timeline anticipates project completion in 2026.

Yes.  A noise analysis will be conducted as part of this Master Plan effort.  The Master Plan will analyze both existing and future noise conditions.

The scope of the planning effort includes opportunities for stakeholder and public input, including a Master Plan Advisory Committee (MPAC) consisting of community and business leaders and a public open house anticipated to be held in 2025.  This website will provide project updates and completed project deliverables which have been approved by the FAA, PennDOT BOA, and the Airport Authority.  If you have a comment or question on the master plan project, please submit it here.