This thesis investigates the main issues to be considered in designing an airport for the present and the future. Points for consideration include a review of the:

• Changes in airport design and their effect on airport planning and air transportation • Effects of the airline industry on a community; for example, noise effects, potential for future growth, etc. • Additional services that should be provided by airport facilities other than passenger handling • Complex nature of the facility, in addition to the need for design flexibility • Basic airport configurations and their characteristics

In addition, Roanoke Municipal Airport was selected as a design exercise. The new facility was planned as a regional airport for the year 2000. This part of the study includes the plan, which is a description of the design process, the program which discusses in detail the requirements for the airport facilities, and the actual design which is illustrated by models and drawings.