Phase 2: Initial CSPP Development Phase

The graphic below identifies the tasks that are part of Phase 2: Initial CSPP Development Phase. A description of each task, checkpoint, and the focus of the safety/collaboration efforts associated with this phase can be accessed by clicking on the graphic below.

You can move to the previous or subsequent phase of the construction safety and phasing plan (CSPP) process using the following links – Previous Phase – Next Phase. You can also navigate to any phase using the CSPP Process drop-down tab at the top of the page.

Tools

Below is a list of tools, templates, and training materials applicable to this phase. Each of these items can be downloaded and customized based on the airport and project. Please note that some tools may appear in multiple phases of the CSPP process as some tools are applicable to multiple phases.

CSPP Template

Example CSPP

Example CSPP Phasing Drawings

Internal CSPP Review Checklist

CSPP Process Checkpoints Checklist

Airport Internal CSPP Communications Checklist

CSPP External Stakeholders Checklist

Group vs. Individual Meeting Guidance

Contractor Training Guide (CTG)

Contractor Training Checklist

Best Practices/Lessons Learned

As part of ACRP Project 08-03, a number of best practices/lessons learned (BP/LL) were identified for Phase 2: Initial CSPP Development Phase. Please note that some BP/LL may appear in multiple phases of the CSPP process as some BP/LL are applicable to multiple phases.

The BP/LL identified for this phase are listed below:

Coordinate with Key Stakeholders Early: Key stakeholders should be identified in preliminary project planning or early in the design process. Once identified, key stakeholders should be consulted with to understand their needs/requirements that should be considered as part of the development of the CSPP. Key stakeholders include but are not limited to airport staff, FAA Office of Airports, local Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), local FAA Technical Operations (TechOPS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), tenants, airlines, and airport users. In general, the higher the operational impact of a project, the earlier the coordination process should be initiated. Airports with regular construction activity should consider the development of a standing construction exploratory committee that meets on a regular basis and is composed of a diverse group of stakeholders. These meetings should include a review of planned construction projects and discussions on their potential impacts. Airports should also leverage other stakeholder meetings (e.g., regular tenant meetings) to provide an overview of upcoming projects and discuss their potential impacts.

Identify CSPP Impacts to Regulatory Documents and Prescribed Approval Timelines: Early in the development of the CSPP, any modifications that are required to regulatory documents [e.g., Airport Certification Manual (ACM), Airport Security Program (ASP), Airport Emergency Plan (AEP), and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)] should be identified as well as any prescribed review and approval timelines. For example, for an airport regulated by 49 CFR Part 1542, if a project or phase will require a “change of condition” under 49 CFR 1542.105, the proposed amendment must be submitted at least 45 days prior to the change occurring and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has 30 days after receiving the proposed amendment to respond.

Collaborate with the FAA Office of Airports to Establish a Plan if Revisions Need to be Made to the CSPP: Paragraph 2.3.4 of FAA AC 150/5370-2G Operational Safety on Airports During Construction states that “All revisions to a previously approved CSPP must be re-submitted to the FAA for review and approval/disapproval action.” As airfield construction projects frequently have tight timelines, the airport and consulting engineer/designer should work collaboratively with the FAA Office of Airports as part of the development of the CSPP to establish a plan for revising the CSPP if the need arises. Any official revisions will need to be coordinated with the FAA.

Conduct a Safety Risk Assessment or Safety/Hazard Review as Part of CSPP Development: Some projects require a formal Safety Risk Management (SRM) panel under FAA Order 5200.11 FAA Airports Safety Management System. In instances where a formal SRM panel is not required, the airport should determine whether a formal Safety Risk Assessment (SRA) should be completed or whether an informal safety/hazard review meeting should be completed with key stakeholders to identify potential hazards and mitigation strategies. Some airports with a Safety Management System (SMS) program require an SRA to be completed for capital projects even if a formal SRM panel under FAA Order 5200.11 is not required. The need for conducting an SRA or safety/hazard review meeting should be decided as part of the project planning effort. 

Prepare Detailed and Comprehensive Signage and Marking Plans for Each Project Phase: Providing detailed plans showing airfield signs, lights, and markings to be covered, removed, or modified during each phase of the project is critical to minimizing the potential for pilot confusion. Airports and consulting engineers/designers also need to ensure that the plans provide a consistent visual indication to pilots regarding whether an area is closed for construction. Visual cues that provide conflicting information (e.g., a taxiway centerline that leads to a closed area while the lights and signs in the area are covered) can create pilot confusion. Additionally, specifications should be provided for how airfield signage and lights will be covered.

Identify and Plan for Construction Capacity Constraints: For construction projects with tight schedules, a review should be completed to identify potential capacity constraints or bottlenecks in the construction project (e.g., site access points, security screening). Identifying and addressing constraints before the project starts can help ensure that the timelines described in the CSPP are actionable. During the research effort, having a sufficient number of security access points and screening personnel when entering the air operations area was identified as a common capacity constraint. As a result, providing a sufficient number of access points and a sufficient number of security personnel to handle screening duties can be essential to the timely completion of a project. The airport, consulting engineer/designer, and contractor should work collaboratively to identify potential construction capacity constraints.

Develop Detailed Haul Route Plans: In establishing haul routes, focus should be placed on specific details that will impact the proper utilization of the haul routes. Details like signage, marking, foreign object debris (FOD)/dust control, and placement of barricades along the route should all be considered and defined as part of the CSPP to ensure that haul routes are utilized properly. Any signage used to provide guidance to vehicle operators regarding a haul route should be consistent (e.g., color, placement). Additionally, barricades, construction fences, or other means of delineation (e.g., snow fence, stakes) should be used to visually delineate a haul route, where possible, to eliminate the potential for confusion. In areas where there is a past history of drivers deviating from a designated haul route, the route should be continuously delineated and signage should be added to the area.

Pre-Construction Investigation is Critical: As a general practice, doing as much pre-construction investigation work as possible (e.g., geotechnical, existing utility documentation, site survey) can help prevent project delays due to unforeseen conditions. This can also minimize the number of unforeseen circumstances that could require changes to the CSPP and safety plan compliance document (SPCD) once the project is underway. During the initial planning of a project, items that may need to be investigated should be identified and included as part of the design process, if possible.

Involve Utility Vendors Early: The involvement of utility vendors was identified as a challenge that can sometimes affect the CSPP for a project. Utility vendors (e.g., electricity, water, gas, fiber optics) frequently have requirements (e.g., relocation of utility lines by their staff or a select vendor) that can potentially impact the schedule for a project unless properly coordinated ahead of time. As a result, utility vendors should be involved early in the project planning and design effort to try to minimize CSPP impacts.

Consider the Knowledge and Background of the Pilot Population as Part of CSPP Development and Communication: The knowledge and background of pilots who regularly use the airport should be a consideration as part of CSPP development and outreach. For example, at airports with regular international traffic, pilots who don’t commonly fly in the United States may be accustomed to slightly different construction signage and marking practices. Additionally, if an airport has a high number of student pilots, their knowledge of standard construction signage and marking practices may be limited. The airport and consulting engineer/designer should discuss unique aspects of the airport’s pilot community and integrate the results of that discussion in the development of the CSPP and outreach efforts.

Complete a Schedule Impacts Review: As part of the initial project planning effort or early in the design process, potential external schedule impacts such as FAA work moratoriums, major community events, holidays, VIP visits, and the potential for weather delays should be identified and accounted for in project phasing and scheduling. Community events calendars should be used to identify significant community events that should be accounted for. Historic weather information and long-range forecasts should be utilized to identify potential weather impacts.

Industry Days: A way to gather feedback from the contractor community regarding a project’s constructability is to host an “industry day” where contractors are invited to learn about the project and ask questions prior to starting the bidding process. This can allow the airport and consulting engineer/designer to identify potential constructability concerns. Some contractors who attend these sessions may choose not to provide feedback. The airport and consulting engineer/designer may want to provide an opportunity for contractors to provide feedback privately. 

Develop Plans for Weather and Low-Visibility Operations: Paragraph 2.17 of FAA AC 150/5370-2G Operational Safety on Airports During Construction states that “the CSPP must detail any special conditions that affect the operation of the airport and will require the activation of any special procedures.” Low visibility operations are included as an example of a “special condition.” As a result, CSPPs should include clear requirements regarding when construction activities should be ceased or when additional safety precautions/procedures must be taken as a result of weather or low visibility. This should include clear lines of responsibility and specific procedures for all responsible parties.

Best Practices for CSPP Narrative: As part of the research effort, multiple best practices were identified to improve the narrative portion of the CSPP to make it easier to understand. These best practices include:

• Use more graphics and tables to communicate the message as opposed to detailed narrative text,
• Include an executive summary section at the beginning of the CSPP that describes the key drivers behind the development of the CSPP and highlights significant impacts, and 
• Omit any information from the CSPP that is not relevant to construction safety and phasing (e.g., construction/design information).

The implementation of these best practices related to the CSPP narrative should improve its clarity.

Best Practices to Guard Against “Check-the-Box” or “Cookie-Cutter” CSPP Development Mentalities: CSPP authors (typically the airport and/or the consulting engineer/designer) should take steps to prevent the development of a “check-the-box” or “cookie-cutter” approach to creating a CSPP for a project. Best practices that can be used to guard against these mentalities include:

• Consistently focus on whether the CSPP provides a safe plan for completing the project,
• Follow established processes for CSPP development and review,
• Do not “copy” a CSPP for a similar project unless it is properly reviewed and modified based on the project, and
• Utilize the CSPP checklist found in Appendix C of FAA AC 150/5370-2G to ensure that the CSPP meets all applicable requirements.

The institution of these best practices should help focus the development of the CSPP for each project and reduce the likelihood of the development of a “check-the-box” or “cookie-cutter” mentality.

Coordinate CSPPs Between Multiple Projects Taking Place at the Same Time: Many airports have multiple projects underway at the same time. When this occurs, it is critical to coordinate the CSPPs between projects to identify potential conflicts and points of confusion. Different construction entrance points, haul route signage, and other points of coordination should be discussed. This can also help prevent bottlenecks that can impede construction progress. If there are different construction contractors performing different projects, it is also important for the contractors and the safety plan compliance documents (SPCDs) of these projects to be properly coordinated. Coordination meetings involving the affected contractors, consulting engineers/designers, stakeholders, and the airport should be held to identify and resolve potential issues.

Identify Night Work Versus Day Work Early and Plan Appropriately: Nighttime work presents an entirely new set of challenges on an airfield as opposed to day work. Any work done at night should be clearly established as part of the CSPP and additional safety measures put in place (e.g., lighted wands for flaggers, reflective signs for haul routes, proper lighting of the construction area) to ensure safety of the operation. 

Document the CSPP Development and Review Process: Document stakeholder reviews of draft CSPPs through written comments, meeting minutes, sign-off sheets, and other means/methods. Documenting feedback can improve the ability to reference and recall information during the continued development of the CSPP.

Best Practices for Obtaining Sufficient Stakeholder Engagement During CSPP Reviews: Obtaining a sufficient level of engagement from stakeholders that need to be involved in project planning and CSPP development efforts is critical to creating a CSPP. Sufficient engagement is defined as getting the right staff members from each stakeholder group involved in the CSPP process and ensuring that they are actively engaged in providing the feedback and information necessary for the development, implementation, and management of the CSPP. Some of the best practices identified to ensure sufficient stakeholder engagement in the CSPP process include:

• Taking steps to develop and promote a culture of collaboration both inside and outside of CSPP development efforts;
• Communicating to stakeholders what the project is, why they should be involved early in the CSPP development process, and how it could help them during construction;
• Making stakeholders part of the development of the CSPP and not just informing them of the outcomes;
• Asking stakeholders to designate a specific construction liaison; and
• Identifying when it is best to review the CSPP in a collaborative group setting versus a series of individual meetings (see the Group vs. Individual Meeting Guidance tool in this WebResource).

Implementing these best practices should support improved stakeholder engagement.

Isolate the Construction Area from Areas Available to Aircraft: If feasible, it is best to separate construction operations from aircraft operational areas to minimize the potential for conflict. To do this effectively, low-profile barricades, construction fencing, snow fencing, and other forms of continuous demarcation should be used to define the limits of each area, whenever possible. Continuous demarcation of each area reduces the potential for confusion for both pilots and construction workers.

CSPPs Should Follow the FAA Review Checklist: It is a good practice for CSPPs to follow the CSPP review checklist used by the FAA Office of Airports when they conduct their official review of the CSPP. Following the checklist outline makes it easier for the FAA Office of Airports to review the CSPP and it can speed up review times. The CSPP template developed as part of this research project will use the checklist as a framework.

Engage Air Traffic Control Towers and FAA Technical Operations Throughout the Development, Implementation, and Management of a CSPP: For airports with Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) facilities and/or FAA-owned navigational aids (NAVAIDs), local ATCT and FAA Technical Operations (TechOPS) personnel need to be consulted in the development of the CSPP and any revisions that are made. This should include participating in CSPP review meetings during CSPP development and ongoing construction progress meetings when construction is underway. If the airport creates a standing construction exploratory committee, local ATCT and FAA TechOPS should be part of the committee.

Utilize Technology Tools to Evaluate Impacts: The utilization of technology tools such as modeling software should be considered to evaluate and understand the impacts of ramp and taxiway closures and to identify potential operational challenges during a construction project.

Develop a RACI Chart to Identify Stakeholders and Their Level of Involvement: The acronym RACI stands for Responsible (R), Accountable (A), Consulted (C), and Informed (I). A RACI chart is a tool for identifying stakeholders for a project and then identifying the level of involvement they need to have in the project. Stakeholders identified as needing to be “consulted” will require more intensive coordination as opposed to stakeholders that just need to be “informed” of the project’s impacts. This tool could be applied prior to the development of a CSPP to identify the various stakeholders for a project and the level of involvement for each stakeholder during various project phases. Tutorial information regarding RACIs and multiple RACI templates can be found on the internet.

Plan Ahead for Airspace Clearances: As part of a construction project, multiple aspects of the construction (e.g., equipment, location of batch plant, storage areas, and permanent or temporary facilities) will need to be reviewed and approved via the FAA’s airspace review process provided through the FAA Obstruction Evaluation/Airport Airspace Analysis (OE/AAA) system. It is recommended that airport staff and the consulting engineer/designer work with the FAA Office of Airports to identify items that will need to be airspaced early in the design process and then submit any identified points of interest for airspace review prior to finalizing the project’s design. A link to the FAA OE/AAAE system is provided here – FAA OE/AAA. The FAA recommends airspace cases be filed in OE/AAA 60 to 90 days before the determination is needed.

Ensure Development and Submittal of the CSPP is Properly Correlated to the Grant Administration Timeline: Airport sponsors and consulting engineers/designers should work with the FAA Office of Airports to ensure the timing for the development and delivery of the CSPP is in alignment with various milestones contained within the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant administration process.

Identify Need for FAA Reimbursable Agreements: The airport sponsor should work with the FAA Office of Airports as part of the initial project planning effort to determine if any FAA Reimbursable Agreements will be required as part of the project.