What Is the Airport Improvement Program?

The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) provides grants to public agencies---and, in some cases, to private owners and entities---for the planning and development of public-use airports that are included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS).

How Much of the Project Cost Does the Grant Cover?

For large and medium primary hub airports, the grant covers 75 percent of eligible costs (or 80 percent for noise program implementation). For small primary, reliever, and general aviation airports, the grant covers 95 percent of eligible costs.

What Airports are Eligible?

AIP grants for planning, development, or noise compatibility projects are at or associated with individual public-use airports (including heliports and seaplane bases). A public-use airport is an airport open to the public that also meets the following criteria:

Further, to be eligible for a grant, an airport must be included in the NPIAS. The NPIAS, which is prepared and published every 2 years, identifies public-use airports that are important to public transportation and contribute to the needs of civil aviation, national defense, and the Postal service.

 

Recipients of grants are referred to as "sponsors." The description of eligible grant activities is described in the authorizing legislation and relates to capital items serving to develop and improve the airport in areas of safety, capacity, and noise compatibility. In addition to these basic principles, a sponsor must be legally, financially, and otherwise able to carry out the assurances and obligations contained in the project application and grant agreement.

What Types of Projects Are Eligible?

Eligible projects include those improvements related to enhancing airport safety, capacity, security, and environmental concerns. In general, sponsors can use AIP funds on most airfield capital improvements or repairs except those for terminals, hangars, and nonaviation development. Any professional services that are necessary for eligible projects — such as planning, surveying, and design — are eligible as is runway, taxiway, and apron pavement maintenance. Aviation demand at the airport must justify the projects, which must also meet Federal environmental and procurement requirements.

Projects related to airport operations and revenue-generating improvements are typically not eligible for funding. Operational costs such as salaries, maintenance services, equipment, and supplies are also not eligible for AIP grants.

Federal Entitlements are also avaialble for some airports.

 Click here for a list of the 2009 airports federal entitlement amounts.