• To provide guidance, procedures, and methodologies appropriate for use in carrying out air quality assessments prepared in association with FAA -supported projects and/or actions; 

• To help ensure that these air quality assessments adequately disclose air quality impacts in accordance with NEPA and meet the requirements of the General Conformity Rule and NAAQS of the CAA; and 

• To provide a process for users to determine when an air quality assessment is considered necessary, the type of analysis that is appropriate, and the level of effort that is warranted. 

## 1.2. Intended Users of the Handbook 

This Handbook was purposefully prepared for use by the FAA, its lines of business , and staff offices as well as airport sponsors and/or their representatives that are involved in the assessment of air quality impacts associated with aviation-related projects and/or actions. In addition, other stakeholders may also find it useful including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), federal, state/local governmental agencies, and others with an interest in ensuring that nation’s airports are continually modernized while safeguarding the nations’ air quality. Notably, the Handbook is designed to be used by both seasoned practitioners and newcomers to the air quality assessment process. 

## 1.3. Use of the Handbook 

This Handbook was developed to assist the FAA, its partner agencies , and other stakeholders in assessing a viation-related air quality impa cts associated with a wide as sortment of aviation/airport projects and/or actions. Therefore, it is n ecessarily broad and extensive. Moreover, it cannot be expected to provide the level of detail necessary for every type of project, action, or circumstance. Rather, it is designed to provide the user with a sufficient overview of the overall approaches and the assessment methods for conducting the analyses. 

The earliest version of the Handbook was published in 1982 by the FAA and the U.S. Air Force. This document was fully updated in 1997 by the FAA and subsequently updated by Addendum in 2004. While some of the materials contained in these earlier versions are reused, it is intended that this version of the Handbook replace and supersede these documents. As of the publication of this version of the Handbook , previous versions are cancelled. However, as a technical manual or guidance document, the Handbook is not intended to replace laws, regulations, or requirements pertaining to airport air quality. In the case of any discrepancies or differences found between these and the Handbook , readers should defer to the specific language requirements contained in the governing documents. 

## 1.4. Contents of the Handbook 

The contents of the Handbook are organized around a framework of topics and sections that build upon one another in a progressive fashion. However, for those that wish to focus particular topics of interest, each section is designed to be self -supporting and comprehensive. The following provides a summary description of each section: 

