This research used stated preference (SP) models to determine why general aviation pilots choose to base and operate their aircraft at some airports and not others. 13 decision variables identified in pilot focus groups and in the general aviation literature were incorporated into a series of hypothetical choice tasks or scenarios. The scenarios were offered within a fractional factorial design to establish orthogonality and to preclude dominance in any combination of variables. Data from 113 pilots was analyzed for individual differences across pilots using conditional logit regression with and without controls. Results demonstrate that some airport attributes/amenities increase pilot utility. Conversely, heavy airport congestion and landing fees decrease pilot utility. The importance of SP methodology as a vehicle for modeling choice behavior and as an input into the planning and prioritization process is discussed.
Abstract