Runways at Small Airports Are Deteriorating Because of Deferred Maintenance
CED-82-104
Published: Sep 13, 1982. Publicly Released: Sep 13, 1982.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed airport runway maintenance nationwide to determine whether airport owners are properly maintaining their runways. Between 1970 and 1981, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) invested approximately $750 million to construct and improve many of the Nation's runways in return for the owners' assurances to properly maintain the airports.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Transportation | The Secretary of Transportation should direct the Administrator of FAA to complete the advisory circular on pavement maintenance and provide a copy to all airport owners, together with any necessary training on how to apply it. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Transportation | The Secretary of Transportation should direct the Administrator of FAA to require the agency's airport inspectors to report airport owners' unsatisfactory maintenance of runways. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Transportation | The Secretary of Transportation should direct the Administrator of FAA to require the agency's regional offices to aggressively pursue airport owners' compliance with maintenance obligations, including taking administrative or judicial actions against owners who fail to satisfactorily maintain their runways. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Transportation | The Secretary of Transportation should direct the Administrator of FAA to require the agency's regional offices to contact aviation officials in the States that are not currently assisting small airports to see if such financial assistance can be arranged. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
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Topics
Administrative remediesAirportsFacility maintenanceFederal aid for transportationMaintenance costsRepair costsReporting requirementsSubsidiesPavement performanceAviation