This document establishes the foundational framework for the systematic development and expansion of metropolitan airport infrastructure within the United States. The Federal Aviation Administration provides this technical manual to guide regional planners, municipal authorities, and aviation engineers in assessing capacity requirements, environmental impacts, and land-use compatibility. The text synthesizes decades of regulatory standards and operational data to ensure that airport systems function as integrated components of broader regional transportation networks.

Experts recognize this publication as a standard reference for civil aviation authorities and urban planning departments. Readers frequently note the technical density of the prose, which is intended for professionals managing large-scale public infrastructure projects.