With more than 125 experts, C&S has one of the largest aviation-focused groups in the country. Airports are our main business and we have spent 55-plus years refining our approach to delivering excellent aviation consulting. We are one of the most experienced and trusted firms in the country. From airfield pavements to terminal buildings to landside infrastructure to master and sustainability planning, C&S has the capacity and the experience to manage any assignment. With seasoned professionals in airfield and landside engineering, planning, architecture, sustainability, grants administration, construction services, and other specialized disciplines, we help clients realize the vision they have for their airports.
C&S has successfully completed more than 250 separate airport planning, environmental, sustainability, design and construction projects during the past five years and well over 2,500 during our 50+ years serving airport clients.
Areas of Expertise
- Airfield Design
- Planning
- Fuel Facilities
- Environmental/Sustainability
- Facility Design
- Construction Phase Services
- Sound Attenuation
- Grant Administration
Pavement
C&S designs all aspects of airfield infrastructure, including rehabilitations and new construction of runways, taxiways, and aircraft parking aprons using both bituminous and Portland cement concrete. We have the capability to manage all sizes of pavement projects—from reconstruction of entire runways at hub facilities to small aprons at general aviation airports and everything in between.
Drainage
An airfield’s drainage characteristics have a substantial effect on the safety, usability, and both short- and long-term maintenance requirements of that airfield. C&S has performed drainage design work at airports for decades. We have developed a skill set, relationship with agencies, and an understanding of the nuances of the various regulations that allow us navigate the process effectively.
Runway Incursion Mitigation
The FAA Runway Incursion Mitigation (RIM) program was initiated in 2015 to improve safety by reducing runway incursions. C&S completed one of the first RIM projects in the country, incorporating the new guidelines into an ongoing taxiway improvement project at Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport (ACEC Ohio Engineering Excellence Award winner). Strategies to improve runway safety include simplifying pavement geometry, correcting non-standard slopes, standard runway safety areas, improving signage, and adding runway guard lights. We work with airports to help identify potential hotspots and design solutions to correct these threats to aircraft safety.
Navaids and Electrical Systems
Our specialized navaids and electrical systems engineers have designed installations at more than 100 airport facilities for a variety of airfield lighting and navigational systems, including runway and taxiway edge lighting; LED lighting; in-pavement edge, centerline, and touchdown zone lights; guidance signs; visual aids such as REIL and PAPI systems; and instrument landing systems. These projects have included all related electrical power distribution, controls, equipment installations, and stand-alone airfield electrical buildings. In addition, we design emergency power systems, including stand-by generators and transfer equipment.
Obstruction Studies
C&S has extensive experience in obstruction studies and removal projects. These studies will identify and depict the obstacle identification approach surfaces contained in 14 CFR Part 77, the threshold-siting surface, the glideslope qualification surface, the obstacle free zone, navaid critical areas and TERPS 20:1 visual surfaces. We work with our clients and the FAA to develop a mitigation plan that could include full or partial removal, relocation, or lighting of an obstruction. C&S also has expertise in working with surrounding property owners to develop plans that address off-property obstructions while also remaining sensitive to the property owner.
Master Planning and ALP Updates
C&S develops realistic, implementable master plans that address an airport’s value and relationship to the surrounding community and balance impacts on people and the environment. We take a holistic approach to planning that considers more than just mandated requirements, including integrating important factors like sustainability, business planning, and funding opportunities. We pioneered the field of sustainable master plans and are known nationwide for sustainability planning. We also prepare airport layout plan updates and narrative reports, which can be economical and time-efficient alternatives to a full master plan. More about our Aviation Planning services can be found here.
Terminal Planning
Our flexible development strategies help airports adapt to changing technologies, security, and passenger travel habits in an efficient, cost-effective manner. We advise airport clients from start to finish for terminal development, conduct site selection studies, prepare high-level requirements and alternatives during the master plan process, formulate demand capacity analysis and develop program requirements during program definition, and act as strategic advisors during design and construction. More about our Aviation Planning services can be found here.
Landside Planning
We help airports understand and evaluate landside issues, needs, and opportunities—generating customer service-driven plans that address rapid changes in passenger travel to and from the airport. Our landside planning professionals are well-versed in the areas of access, circulation, and parking analyses, as well as other specialized studies. More about our Aviation Planning services can be found here.
Land Use + Economics
C&S advises airports on strategic positioning, planning, and development of their real estate. We employ sophisticated analytical and implementation tools complemented by our years of diverse market experience to support client decision making to fully leverage collateral assets. Our comprehensive services focus on formulating market strategies to optimize land use and to further airports’ financial goals and objectives for office, industrial, retail, restaurant, commercial services and hotel projects among others. More about our Aviation Planning services can be found here.
Fuel Facilities
C&S assists airports with aircraft and ground maintenance equipment fueling needs, including planning, permitting, design, and construction of various types of fuel facilities. We are familiar with the codes that govern the environmental, fire protection, and fuel quality issues associated with the storage and dispensing of flammable and combustible liquids. C&S has specific experience with self-service fueling systems, a feature that can boost a facility’s revenue and attract new business. Other expertise includes: multi-purpose facilities (e.g., combined aviation and automotive fuels); shop and field fabricated storage tanks; above and below ground installations; and fire protection systems.
Air Quality
C&S’s air quality experts focus on early identification and coordination of air quality or environmental concerns with stakeholders such as the FAA, national and state regulatory agencies, and community groups. Our on-staff grant specialists maximize available funding, develop documentation requirements, and ensure proper closeout. Our services include: air quality management plans; greenhouse gas inventories; emission source inventories and emissions modeling; alternative technology assessments and design; VALE Program applications; permitting and coordination with regulatory agencies; construction emission reviews; SIP modification assistance; conformity evaluations; National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses; aviation emission reduction credit documentation; and grant assistance.
Environmental
Our staff of environmental scientists, chemists, biologists, geologists, and engineers have the expertise to assist you in meeting regulatory requirements and overcoming technical hurdles. We have additional expertise in integrated airport/community planning; environmental quality analysis and management; wetlands/ecological studies and wildlife hazard plans; mitigation design and implementation; environmental management systems; and GIS/Web applications. We also have the full capability to assist airport sponsors with services to address the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and categorical exclusions.
Sustainability
C&S is a national leader in aviation sustainability and resilience. We developed the country’s first FAA-approved sustainable airport master plan and have worked with airports of all sizes across the country to integrate sustainability into airport planning, design & construction, and operations. Our services include: sustainability & resilience consulting; energy management, renewables, & microgrid development; sustainability funding strategies & grants administration; revenue creation & economic analysis; stormwater management & water reuse; Envision, LEED, & Airport Carbon Accreditation administration; sustainable aviation fuel & electric aircraft evaluation; environmental & NEPA support leadership team.
Terminals, Hangars, and Support Facilities
Our architects and engineers design additions, renovations, and new construction of a wide variety of aviation facilities, including terminal buildings, hangars, ARFF facilities, equipment storage and sand storage buildings. Our in-house group includes specialists in architecture, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, site/civil, sustainability, space planning, and more. We can manage the planning, design, and construction of an entire facility or provide strategic services in conjunction with other team members. We have experience with many delivery methods, including design-build and public-private partnerships that can help reduce costs and get projects built more effectively.
Centralized Receiving and Distribution Centers (CRDC)
A centralized receiving and distribution center (CRDC) can be a solution for streamlining the processing of goods coming into an airport. C&S designs state-of-the-art CRDC buildings that enable airports to consolidate many scattered operations and staff into one location for increased efficiency and reduced costs. It also allows for implementation of one, clearly defined screening process—helping eliminate gaps in security. CRDCs are effective for all sizes of hub airport and creative financing options can make these facilities a reality even if they are not on the CIP.
Construction Phase Services
In recognition of the unique nature of the aviation industry, we have a full-time staff of construction managers, inspectors, and support staff who only work on aviation-related projects. Our construction team is OSHA certified and has training and certification in P-401. We use e-Construction and the latest in intelligent construction techniques, including employing equipment like the GPS rover for grade control and measurements. Our construction team’s involvement occurs throughout the design process, focusing on three areas—constructability, cost, and schedule. C&S is an extension of your staff for the duration of the project, and your eyes and ears on the construction site.
Sound Attenuation
C&S and our QuieterHome and QuieterSchool Programs are known nationwide for our outstanding program and construction management capabilities. Our track record includes experience with more than 20 noise mitigation programs, including more than 20,000 successfully treated homes and dozens of schools and houses of worship. Addressing the impact of increased aircraft noise on an airport’s surrounding community is no small task. With that in mind, C&S designed our approach to help clients sensitively turn that challenge into a solution. Our program management capabilities take the burden off of our clients, enhancing the level of service that residents receive while strengthening ties among residents, the airport, and local agencies.
Grant Administration
C&S has aviation grant administrators dedicated solely to managing the funding process. Grant applications, reimbursement requests, supporting documentation, and submittal of required FAA forms can rapidly consume the already overextended staff of even the largest airport. We prepare applications and all other required federal and state paperwork associated with planning, engineering, and construction projects. All that the sponsor has to do is sign in the proper locations, and C&S takes care of the rest. Our clients receive on-time and regular reimbursements from the FAA and state-level agencies. We administer the entire grant process for many of our airport sponsors, conducting regular programming meetings with FAA Airport District Office personnel, and working closely with FAA headquarters and regional staff.
