ACRP Synthesis 57 explores how airports plan, manage, and recover from special events to help minimize effects on an airport's regular operations. The report explores issues related to planning, organizing, applying lessons learned, and addressing potential surprises and impacts on operations and customer services related to a variety of non-aeronautical events that occur on and off an airport.

This advisory circular (AC) describes acceptable methods for organizing the aviation community for all events, especially major sports events (auto racing, golf, etc.). It is not limited to sporting events, but can be used whenever there is a large amount of aviation activity on an infrequent basis and open gatherings of people. The goal of this AC is to enhance air and ground safety. This AC does not include events that require FAA Form 7711-1: Application for Certificate of Waiver or Authorization.

ACRP Synthesis 41 consolidates available information and lessons learned on how to successfully plan, organize, and conduct an aeronautical special event and restore normal operations after the event. For the purposes of this report, aeronautical special events are defined as those events that involve aviation activities or aircraft.

ACRP Synthesis 78 compiles information about current continuity planning practices at airports of different types and sizes and determines how they can be effectively applied to smaller airports to maintain resilient operational and business capacity during a disruption, regardless of the cause. Business continuity planning is the process of developing a plan for operating essential operational and business functions in the face of a disruption caused by any types of emergencies, incidents, or events. This study addresses business continuity planning for emergency and non-emergency disruptions.

This certificate can be used by airports to request a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization for an aviation event. There may also be a state form that needs to be completed for an airport to host a special event.

ACRP conducted a webinar that explored practical guidance and best practices on planning and conducting special events at general aviation facilities. Airports and entities conducting aeronautical special events (e.g., air shows) or non-aeronautical events (e.g., Presidential/dignitary visits) often find that holding a successful event involves a significant number of stakeholders and requires months of planning, complex decision-making, and financial investment.