CHAPTER 6. STAGE DEVELOPMENT

42. ORGANIZATION OF A PLAN.

a. Design Skill. Economy and rational organization are primary considerations in developing a master plan for a project in which low first costs and low operating costs are essential. Also, the designer's skill and his preference for one type of plan over another will influence the character and appearance of the resulting plan.

b. Layout Growth. The planner may develop a layout which is informal and casual, or formal and symmetrical. In either case, a pleasing result depends more on the designer's skill in handling scale and proportion than on choice of pattern. It is important that the site plan grow logically out of requirements for building type, topography, orientation, and servicing rather than from preconceived patterns used at some other site.

c. Site Development. Once the master plan has been prepared, a community can program site development in successive stages as needs arise. For example, consider the hypothetical four-stage development of on-shore and shoreline installations at a small town that supports a resort area. Each stage of the development expands the operational capability of the facility to meet the needs of the community.

43. STAGE 1 - BASIC REQUIREMENTS.

The first stage emphasizes those elements that are considered necessary for a basic facility. They include the water operating area, mooring area, slip or dock, gangway, fueling facilities, operations building, access road, and auto parking area. This stage may include a temporary beaching ramp that enables aircraft to be brought ashore.

44. STAGE 2 - RAMP AND SERVICE AREAS.

The second stage develops the ramp, marine railway, service, and tiedown areas. The ramp provides a second location for refueling services, loading, and unloading of aircraft. A necessary requirement for daily maintenance of saltwater seaplanes is an ample supply of fresh water. Fresh water should be available at the ramp to wash down planes before they are moved to on-shore parking positions. When required, Stage 2 should include shoreline stabilization or bulkheads in order to provide for present or future needs. Planting of shrubs, trees, and general landscaping should also be accomplished at this time.

45. STAGE 3 - SERVICE HANGAR.

This stage provides for the construction of a service hangar which will permit the operator to increase the type and quality of seaplane services. The addition of this element will make it possible to provide all-weather services such as major and minor repairs as well as limited aircraft storage.

46. STAGE 4 - REVENUE PRODUCING FACILITIES.

The principal work undertaken in the final stage consists of a storage hangar and an additional tie-down apron. Expansion of the operations building may also be undertaken to provide revenue-producing facilities such as a lunchroom, aviation display room, public observation lounge, and amusement equipment.