Airport board orientation and training

In the US, public-use airports are typically owned and operated/governed by local government — meaning cities, counties or state-authorised authorities (airport or port). Whichever type of governance structure the airport has, there is likely a board, either advisory or authority. Airport board membership is typically determined by the governing body (council or commission); the number of members and the term of service may vary. Members who join the board often bring new, innovative ideas with the best intentions but may not have a thorough understanding of the intricacies of the airport industry. The people appointed or elected to boards are usually energetic and successful in their fields and want to use that knowledge effectively elsewhere in the community. It is important to harness this new energy and provide detailed airport and aviation industry training, enabling the board to make effective decisions and function at the highest level. This paper provides a customisable foundation for an airport to use for its board orientation and ongoing training sessions. Essential elements for orientation and training include understanding the members’ role on the board, their level of authority, expectations of the members and of meetings, meeting etiquette and the specialised nature of the airport industry. Lastly, a compilation of important documents and information is provided to assist airport executives in developing and implementing meaningful airport board orientation and training.