What does the metric 'number of aircraft operations per hour' measure?

What does the metric 'number of aircraft operations per hour' measure?

• A. Demand
• B. Revenue
• C. Capacity
• D. Enplanements

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that this metric measures capacity. It counts how many takeoffs and landings can occur in an hour, reflecting the throughput the airfield and its operations can handle in that time period. This capacity is determined by the most limiting resource—usually the runway—along with factors like separation requirements, taxi times, and weather. It’s a snapshot of what the airport can accommodate, not what is requested (demand), not how many passengers board (enplanements), and not the money earned (revenue). So the number of aircraft operations per hour best describes the airport’s capacity.

The main idea is that this metric measures capacity. It counts how many takeoffs and landings can occur in an hour, reflecting the throughput the airfield and its operations can handle in that time period. This capacity is determined by the most limiting resource—usually the runway—along with factors like separation requirements, taxi times, and weather. It’s a snapshot of what the airport can accommodate, not what is requested (demand), not how many passengers board (enplanements), and not the money earned (revenue). So the number of aircraft operations per hour best describes the airport’s capacity.