Aircraft Greenhouse Gas Emissions during the Landing and Takeoff Cycle at Bay Area Airports

Author

Travis M. Norton, University of San FranciscoFollow

Date of Graduation

Spring 5-16-2014

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Environmental Management (MSEM)

Department/Program

Environmental Management

First Advisor

Chris Ruehl

Abstract

The aviation industry is a growing industry and has global environmental impacts. Throughout all phases of air transit, pollutant emissions, including greenhouse gases (GHGs), are released. The goal of this study is to quantify and characterize these emissions produced from aircraft in the LTO cycle at Bay Area airports.

FAA data was used along with the Emissions and Dispersion Modeling System (EDMS) to produce GHG emissions inventory for the LTO cycle at SFO, OAK, and SJC. These emissions inventories were compared to comparable sized airports both domestically and internationally.

Results indicate that CO₂ represents 99.5% of all aircraft LTO GHG emissions. It was also determined that emissions inventories are highly dependent on the type of aircraft taking off at each airport. Suggestions for mitigation strategies were made using the interactive tool AirportGEAR, developed in conjunction with the FAA.

Recommended Citation

Norton, Travis M., "Aircraft Greenhouse Gas Emissions during the Landing and Takeoff Cycle at Bay Area Airports" (2014). Master's Projects and Capstones. 15.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/15