New Approaches to Capturing Aircraft Data
Capturing and reporting based aircraft is an essential task for airport managers, and emerging technologies are on the rise, making it easier to track and report key aircraft data. ADS-B data provides vital landing statistics and aircraft location data. Meanwhile, lease management software allows tenants or staff to upload entries to a based aircraft log.
Major airport processes are moving to the cloud, and based aircraft management is no different. Software solutions for tracking and reporting your based aircraft can offer valuable time-saving utilities, greater flexibility, and increased accessibility.
As you consider what software to implement, it’s vital to evaluate how your staff will use the tool and how well it can slot into your existing technology and processes.
Method One: ADS-B Tracking
ADS-B is the talk of the season. Between my panel on using ADS-B at the NEC/AAAE 2022 conference in Hershey and the recent boom in ADS-B data services, there has never been a better time to investigate how ADS-B can help your team.
Many different ADS-B services are debuting products, but the foundation of each is similar. ADS-B transponders send a periodic ping to all nearby receivers while the engine of the aircraft is switched on. Not only does this allow for near-live location tracking, it allows for identification of aircraft that have been powered off on airport premises.
If you are already considering implementing ADS-B at your airport, it is be simple and effective to implement ADS-B data management software to track based aircraft. Some solutions even audit the number of days a particular aircraft is stored on your airport, allowing your team to validate based aircraft data and argue against conflicting claims. If other airports claim the aircraft, you may miss out on grants and other opportunities. ADS-B data can support your based aircraft records and assist your team in identifying exactly who is using your airport—and how often they’re on-site.
ADS-B solutions are offered by a number of companies, with different levels of investment. MotionInfo offers airports a tier of free service in exchange for installing ADS-B equipment through their channel. The MIS team will send the antennae and receivers, with instructions to install the equipment, and in return, your airport receives a log-in to a live view of your field and the surrounding airspace, complete with vital aircraft data and seven days of historical data.
Paid services offer even more functionality. Exploring ADS-B services can allow your team to cut down on the time and effort involved in based aircraft tracking and collection, provide support to your operations team, and enhance other aspects of your airport’s data tracking.
Method Two: Leasing Software
If an aircraft is based at your airport, it may be owned by a leaseholder or sub-leaseholder. Lease Management software can support your rent collection, insurance tracking, and property management, while also equipping your team to track based aircraft.
With configurable lease management software, you can determine what level of access, if any, you want to give your tenants. Will you allow them to upload insurance documents to their lease? Input insurance records with beginning and end dates for your team to audit? Upload based aircraft information for staff approval?
Lease management software can make it easy to collect data directly from your tenants, or input it internally, and link it to specific leases and properties.
If your team is losing time managing leases, collecting rent, and tracking tenant compliance, lease management software can help cut down on these tasks while providing a venue to store, audit, and report your based aircraft.
Choosing Your Solution
If you’re investing time and funds in a solution, it’s important to choose the right option. Some solutions, particularly subscription-based software, even offer a free-trial period.
If you’re looking for a solution, requesting a demo is often the first step. Websites can only show so much detail, and a webinar can offer not only detail and live demonstrations, but also allow you to ask questions throughout the demonstration, and bring focus onto the features your airport needs most.
When selecting your software, it’s important to review the integrity of the platform. Is technical support included in the package? What about updates to the software? You’ll want to work with a responsive company that is ready to work with your team on implementation, training, and support.
Additionally, look for software that is configurable and modular. Configurable software allows your admin to make changes to details like rent rates, insurance types, property types, and automatic notifications without having to make changes in the code or pay for costly customizations.
Why Now?
With recent changes to the landscape of airport management, it’s important to keep pace with emerging technologies. From enabling remote work through cloud-hosted, browser-based applications, to increasing productivity and data accessibility in a turbulent market, investing in business support software can help maximize your development and growth for the decade to come.
Best of all, learning about software solutions has never been easier. With remote demos, webinars, and the return of both hybrid and in-person conferences, you and your team have unprecedented access to a wealth of information.
Start looking today, and take the first steps towards enhanced data, increased productivity, and streamlined airport management.
About the Author
Kenneth G. Moen, A.A.E., C.A.E. began his journey into the world of aviation in 1977, with his enlistment in the US Army in 1977. This experience was followed by Army air traffic control school and subsequent graduation from community college. In 1982, Ken began his career as an air traffic controller with the Federal Aviation Administration. During his tenure at the FAA, he earned his B.S. in Professional Aeronautics and Aviation Management, while founding and producing the Northern Nevada Business Weekly and the Wolf Pack Edge. In 2009, Ken retired from the FAA and spent a year at Baghdad International Airport training Iraqi controllers and supporting US Military operations with Washington Consulting Group, before joining Reno-Tahoe International airport in 2011. Ken completed his A.A.E. airport management accreditation in July 2016. In 2018, Ken assumed the airport manager position at the Carson City Airport (CXP) until retiring in March 2021.