About the Project
The RTS Master Plan is a long-term planning project that will guide how RTS grows and evolves. It will identify future facility needs, support regional economic opportunities and ensure the airport continues serving the community safely and efficiently.
About the Project Team
RTAA is working with several organizations to update the RTS Master Plan.
Ardurra Group
Ardurra is the primary consultant guiding the RTS Master Plan, which includes key tasks such as conducting the inventory and forecast and developing the Airport Layout Plan drawing set. Ardurra will guide RTS and its community through the complex process, determine the existing and future traffic of the airport, create plans to accommodate any necessary improvements to the airport and prepare the update in accordance with federal regulations and FAA guidelines.
Other companies on the project team include:
About the Master Plan Working Group
In addition to gathering public feedback and hosting public meetings, the RTS Master Plan includes a working group designed to represent the public during the process. The Master Plan Working Group (MPWG) will be made up of representatives of a diverse group of airport staff and community members and serve an important role in analyzing data, providing feedback and helping determine the final outcome of the updated plan.
Organizations represented on the MPWG include:
Aviation Classics (RTS Fixed Base Operator)
Bureau of Land Management Air Tanker Base
City of Reno (Development Services)
City of Reno (Redevelopment Agency)
Community Members (Residents of 89506 & 89508)
Dermody Properties (Industrial Real Estate Development Company)
Federal Aviation Administration, Phoenix Airport District Office (Western-Pacific Region)
Nevada Army National Guard (NVARNG)
Nevada Center for Applied Research (Drones / UAS)
Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) State Aviation Planning
Reno-Stead Airport Association
Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County (Metropolitan Planning Organization / Surface Transportation)
Truckee Meadows Community College (Capital & Operations)
Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency
University of Nevada, Reno
Washoe County (Office of the County Manager)
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the RTS Master Plan by exploring our list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Have a specific question that isn’t covered here? Share it with the project team through our comment form.
How much will the Airport Master Plan cost? Who is paying for it?
The total Reno-Stead Master Plan project cost is $1.9 million. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is funding 95% of the project, and the remaining 5% comes from Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) revenues.
What is the FAA’s role in the Airport Master Plan process?
The FAA has two official roles during the Airport Master Plan study:
- Review and approve the aviation forecasts (the projected growth of aviation activity); and
- Formally approve the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) for airspace and to confirm it meets current federal design standards.
Additionally, the FAA will serve in a supportive advisory role during the preparation of the draft airport master plan. The FAA may provide comments on master plan content, findings and recommendations, and may offer technical assistance and support. Since the RTS Master Plan is considered a local policy/guidance document, the FAA does not formally approve it.
What is an Airport Layout Plan?
An Airport Layout Plan or ALP serves as the “blueprint” for an airport and shows:
- Boundaries and proposed additions to all areas owned or controlled by the sponsor for airport purposes;
- The location and nature of existing and proposed airport facilities and structures; and
- The location on the airport of existing and proposed non-aviation areas and improvements.
The broader term “Airport Layout Plan Drawing Set” is used to describe several pages of drawings that serve as a graphical representation of a wide range of information and details related to airport facilities, proposed development, airspace, land use concerns and property holdings. ALP drawing sets are prepared in accordance with strict Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines and require FAA approval.
Once the plan is completed, when will improvements be made at the airport?
The final master plan will include a list of potential airport improvements based on identified needs and a draft projected schedule for making them, but actual design and construction of improvements will be determined on an as needed basis in the future.
Are additional planning studies necessary before beginning a recommended airport improvement project?
Yes, even after the master plan process, additional studies may be necessary before a project depicted on the Airport Layout Plan is implemented. FAA’s approval of the ALP signifies only that there are no safety concerns related to the proposed airport master plan and that recommendations generally conform with FAA standards. At a minimum, additional studies usually include National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation and any other analyses needed to satisfy required permit applications.
How can I participate?
There will be several opportunities over the 24-month planning process to get involved. Submit your feedback at any time on our website, attend an airport master plan open house or RTAA board meeting and follow along on our project blog. We want your feedback to make the RTS Master Plan the best plan possible for the airport, our neighbors and the region.