Impacts on Practice: Ensuring Safe Paramotor Operations at Emmett Municipal Airport

Emmett Municipal Airport, outside of Boise, Idaho, “took every bit of advice” from the TRB Airport Cooperative Research Program's ACRP Synthesis74: Combining Mixed-Use Flight Operations Safely at Airports.  

Since incorporating the procedures detailed in the report into its operations, the Emmett airport has not reported any further complaints from airplane pilots about the safety of paramotors—ultralight, engine-powered paragliders that are launched by foot or dolly. This success has led airport management to consult other ACRP reports, particularly pavement guidelines for small airports.

“These reports are amazing for teaching. But, it’s not like a textbook. It’s actually something you want to read,” said Jennifer Schildgen, an Airport Planner in the Airport Planning and Development section of the Idaho Transportation Department’s (ITD’s) Division of Aeronautics.

See all of ACRP's Impacts on Practice briefs here.