## EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

The long-standing relationship between aviation and air quality continues to endure as the aviation industry seeks to (i) develop, expand, and/or improve its facilities , equipment, and procedures ; (ii) repair/replace aging infrastructure; and/or (iii) accommodate the forecasted growth in air traffic; while implementing sustainable practices. Meanwhile, air quality regulatory agencies continually strive safeguard human health and the natural environment from the effects of air pollution – including the air emissions associated with aviation. 

In support of this relationship, t his Aviation Emissions and Air Quality Handbook (the Handbook ) has been published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a tool and resource to assist in the planning and completion of air quality assessments$^{1}$conducted for aviation-related projects and/or actions. More specifically, the purpose of this Handbook is essentially three-fold: 

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

• To help ensure that these air quality assessments meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the federal Clean Air Act (CAA), and other relevant laws and regulations; 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. 

Notably, this Handbook was prepared for use by the FAA, its lines of business, and 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/actions. However, it is intended that other stakeholders will likewise find it useful including federal/state/local governmental agencies and others with an interest in ensuring that the nation’s airports are continually modernized while safeguarding air quality. By necessity, the Handbook is also designed to be used by both seasoned practitioners and newcomers to the aviation air quality assessment process. 

The earliest version of the Handbook was published in 1982 by the FAA and the U.S. Air Force, was fully revised in 1997, 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. Moreover, as a guidance document, the Handbook is not intended to replace laws, regulations, or other requirements pertaining to air quality. This is a guidance document and should not be cited as the source for legal requirements. In the case of any discrepancies or differences found between the laws/regulations and the Handbook , users should defer to the specific language and requirements contained in the laws/regulations. 

Finally, 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 on particular topics of interest, each section is designed to be self -supporting and comprehensive. To aid in the understanding and use of this material, a set of Appendices are also provided that present detailed "how to" instructions, examples and further explanation. 

For general questions regarding this Handbook contact the FAA Office of Environment and Energy (AEE), Emissions Division. 

