The Spinning Glass Project

Abstract Title:
UNDERSTANDING THE DYNAMIC EFFECTS OF FLIGHT PATHS ON LAND USE AND PROPERTY VALUES IN WHATCOM COUNTY WASHINGTON, USA

is part of the Paper Session:
Airline Geographies in a Time of Crisis and Change

scheduled on Saturday, 4/17/2010 at 14:40 PM.

Author(s):
Matt Paskus* – Western Washington University Geography Department Graduate Student

Abstract:
In recent years, airlines have introduced a new business model shifting to smaller regional airports in order to reduce costs while at the same time offering convenience for air travelers.  This shift, while easing demand constraints at larger airports, will increase the number of flight segments above Puget Sound altering the land uses below each new segment.  The aviation industry and the Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) recognize that there are constraints and considerations in regard to land use compatibilities.

The airline industry is highly speculative, and the economic drivers associated with the airline industry are dynamic. It is projected that commercial jet traffic will increase annually between 2%-5% through 2050. The emergence of jet aircraft and residential growth, are beginning to conflict. The cities of Everett, Seattle (Boeing Field) and Bremerton are interested in growing their aviation economies. This adds additional layers into land use mitigation in multiple regions without the consent of that bordering region.

This study will assess the land uses and property values which rest below the flight path.  The geographical focus for this study is centered in Whatcom County, Washington. BLI is one of the fastest growing airports in the United States with close proximity to the metropolitan areas of Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, Canada.

Keywords:

Flight pattern, aviation, land use, tourism, transportation