Is access to general aviation airports with precision approach and no instrument landing systems a club good? A study of six airports

Access to general aviation (GA) airports can generally be viewed as non-excludable and non-rivalrous. However, access to GA airports using lateral vertical guidance (LPV/LP) and no instrument landing systems (ILS) will exclude aircraft operators not equipped to take advantage of satellite navigation, thus transforming access into a club good. Extending access to GA airports through satellite navigation is an important aviation issue at a time when air traffic service providers are transitioning from a radar- to a satellite-based air traffic managed system. The provision of access to GA airports with precision approach and no ILS as a club good may require a change in the level of service that emphasizes service priority to the aircraft capable of taking advantage of satellite navigation as opposed to a first-come, first-served queue management.