Developed by the Aviation Workforce, Economic Impact, and Partnerships Subcommittee of the Aviation Advisory Committee.

AAC Airport Tour Suggestions

BEFORE GROUP ARRIVES

Is a Certificate of Insurance from visiting group needed, naming Airport as additional insured?
Are numbers of guests identified; to determine if more than one group will be needed?
Communicate meeting spot, needed documents, parking, airport/security restrictions, etc.
Are any waivers need to be signed, including permission to take photos, by group/tour guide?
Are airport staff/contributors/volunteers aware of times/locations for their involvement?
Are alternatives available in the event bad weather occurs?

TOUR CONSIDERATIONS

Attempt to have an airplane[s] on display, perhaps one for each group, with an
instructor/staff member to discuss airplane components, preflight, perhaps sit in cockpit.
Attempt to have access for viewing some other aircraft based at airport
If available, schedule airplane simulator – possible demonstration, students sit in seat
If available have access for viewing, possible emergency personnel demonstration of Airport Equipment [Fire truck, Snowplow, Snow Blower, Runway FOD vehicle]

INITIAL MEETING PLACE

Introduce Airport Management and personnel who will be helping with the tour
Discuss management and airport personnel duties/responsibilities
Show any formal/PowerPoint presentation on careers, aviation at the airport, etc.
Brief Guests on the scope of Airport Based Organizations/Entities/Resources
Flight School
Corporate Aircraft Operators
TSA
FBO
University/Flight/Technical Academy
Pilot Store
Fueling
Maintenance/Avionic Shop
Restaurant
Airline
National Guard
EAA Chapter
Flying Club
Air Emergency Operator
Explorer Post
Weather Equipment
Fire/Emergency Team
Hangar Space
Civil Air Patrol
On-Field Corporations
Helipad
Balloon Operator
Instrument Approaches
ATC Tower
Review tour schedule and how groups will form, follow tour
Depending on size of the group, divide equally amongst the number of instructors or
other volunteers available
Explain any relevant policies/procedures to follow while on the airport
Distribute any resources or support material needed for tour

TOUR – BASICS – [Major Areas to Visit if Possible]

TSA Representative
Flight Line
Airline Representative
Fire/Rescue/Weather Equipment
FBO
Maintenance Hangar/Facility
Flight School
PA Army National Guard Representative
Corporate Hangar/Aircraft

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Tour leader, staff, should have some planned to ensure good questions, group involvement, answers are readily available, and good pacing during the tour

TOUR FACILITY SUGGESTIONS [ things to set up/communicate to staff/helpers before Tour]

Tour Facility, Static Airplane [one plane assigned to each instructor]
Go over preflight with students
Allow students to take turns sitting in the plane
Show aircraft flight simulator [time and group size dependent]
TSA Representative
Describe the Screening Process
Students go through TSA Screening
Airline Representative
Describe their job activities
Q & A
Airport Operations [weather permitting]
Have on display airport equipment, i.e. Fire Truck, Large Snow Plow or Large Snow Blower
Describe use of equipment and their job duties at the airport
Students have an opportunity to look at the equipment and try on fireman PPE
PA Army National Guard Representative
Tour National Guard Facility at the airport, if available
Show and describe their job activities and duties in the PA Army National Guard
Tour other unique features [time permitting]: A & P Mechanic Shop, Avionics Shop, Paint Shop,
Jump School, etc.

REGROUP

Pick Time and Location to meet entire group to dismiss
See if any further questions
Distribute any materials, contact information, suggested resource
Ensure any materials/handed outs are collected [if necessary]
Give final support to aviation as a positive aspect of the community and business environment
Dismiss through appropriate exit path from location