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III. CAPACITY ANALYSIS An aviation system's effectiveness is commonly measured in terms of its ability to efficiently process aviation demand. A key element used to measure system effectiveness is the system's capacity to accommodate current as well as projected demand. In this task of the Regional System Reliever Airports Study, the system's base case capacity was compazed with current and projected levels of unconstrained aviation activity to provide a basis for identifying potential system deficienaes and the approximate timeframe in which they will occur. Ia addition, possible capaaty implications for the reliever system due to diversion of general aviation operations and based aircraft from Minneapolis-St. Paul International were examined. To determine the capacity of Minneapolis-St. Paul's reliever airport system, the individual capacity of each of the seven reliever airports was calculated.. Each airport's capacity was evaluated for two sepazate capacity measures: airfield operational capacity and landside aircraft storage capacty. Results from this capacity analysis were then used to develop system alternatives to resolve land and airside limitations and constraints. 1. AIRSIDE CAPACITY Aa important goal in planning for airfield improvements is to achieve an aviation system that offers a service level acceptable to both system users and operators. Service level is defined by the level of delay incurred by aircraft: the shorter the delay, the higher the service level As aviation demand approaches airfield capacity, the delay incurred by aircraft increases and the quality of service deteriorates. Airfield demand/capacity analysis identifies a level of delay acceptable to both system users and operators. Results of demand/capacty analysis can be used to identify and subsequently evaluate system airfield improvements that will provide sufficient capaaty to ensure that delays remain at acceptable levels within the system. It .J III-1