Word on the Runway: Balancing innovation and experience on the airfield
As technology continues to reshape airfield construction – from GPS-enabled grading equipment to 3D modeling and digital reporting systems – the responsibilities of the Resident Project Representative (RPR) are changing with it. The RPR has long served as the “eyes and ears” for the engineer and owner, safeguarding a project’s quality, safety, and schedule in the field. As inspection tools advance and project timelines tighten, the expectations placed on this critical role are growing.
In the latest installment of Connico’s Word on the Runway series, we asked:
As inspection technology evolves, how should owners rethink the RPR role to protect schedule, safety, and quality?
John Barton
Field Specialist, Connico
Over the years, the RPR’s role has changed significantly. I’ve always viewed the position as the first line of communication, resolving issues at the field level whenever possible before they escalate up the chain of command. One of the most important takeaways from my time in the industry is that conflict resolution should happen at the lowest level possible. The RPR plays a critical role in that process.
We’re the eyes and ears for the owner. When an issue arises that can’t be resolved in the field, I reach out to the project manager to get it resolved quickly. In doing so, we protect the safety and operational integrity of the airfield. Safety always comes first, whether that means checking that all equipment is properly marked with an international orange-and-white flag or ensuring that everyone on the job site is badged and escorted as required.
One improvement I’d like to see across the industry is the development of a standardized reporting system. Every company uses a different form. Some rely on Word documents or Excel spreadsheets, others use electronic systems. Having one consistent, FAA-approved format for reporting daily progress, safety concerns, and incidents would improve communication and accountability. It would also protect project schedules, safety, and quality by reducing confusion and ensuring that all stakeholders receive the same information.
Technology has brought tremendous progress to inspection work. Years ago, we used “grade checkers” who relied on manual stakes and offsets. Now, with GPS rovers and 3D modeling, teams can pinpoint exact locations and grades in real time. These tools are a great advancement, but I still believe in keeping hard copies of plans and specifications on hand. Technology can fail, and having a backup ensures nothing gets lost.
The FAA is also working on updates to its construction specifications, which I think will give RPRs more clarity and authority in the field. In the past, some specifications were ambiguous and open to interpretation. The new standards aim to close those gaps, which will ultimately strengthen quality control and consistency across the industry.
At the end of the day, the RPR’s job is about being present, proactive, and prepared. The technology may evolve, but the responsibility to protect safety, schedule, and quality remains the same.
David Jones
Vice President, Delta Airport Consultants
The RPR has always served an important role in monitoring that projects are constructed in reasonable conformance with contract documents. With significant federal and state funding infused into the infrastructure system over the last several years, funding deadlines and the need to complete more and larger projects in shorter time frames have increased pressure on schedules. This is in addition to the existing pressure on airport development projects to reduce operational impacts and keep airports open and functional. As a result, the role of the RPR has morphed and become increasingly more important to engineers and facility owners in many ways.
During construction, work often progresses very quickly, and it is crucial that engineering firms retain fully engaged and adequate numbers of staff to address the issues that arise in a timely manner. RPRs serve a critical part of that team. The RPR is on the project site day in and day out, serving as the engineer’s eyes and ears and the first line of defense to identify potential upcoming issues in advance. But the RPR is also the front face to the owner, keeping them advised daily on what work will take place in the coming days, where it will be occurring, and what tenant notifications or Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) need to be issued. They can also alert the engineer and owner to potential upcoming problems, which allows a proactive approach to addressing those issues.
Given that engineers and owners must often spread their time across several projects, the RPR is key to keeping both parties focused on the important issues relative to the specific project they are overseeing. Yes, the RPR is on-site to monitor and document the quality of the work and confirm conformance with the specification requirements (such as asphalt temperature, appropriate equipment, grade control methods, and night lighting equipment), but they must also monitor progress of the work and assist in coordinating project phasing and schedule requirements. Therefore, it is important to place the best-qualified person at the project location – someone whose experience and background best align with the project type.
Although safety is ultimately the contractor’s responsibility, the contractor can sometimes lose sight of the bigger picture and potential safety-related issues. The RPR can help raise awareness of possible concerns that should be reviewed by the contractor’s safety manager.
The RPR is a critical component of a successful relationship between a project’s owner and engineer and is an important aspect of providing great customer service. The RPR has regular and extensive face time with the owner, as they are on-site daily for months at a time, whereas the engineer may visit the site only once every week or two. The RPR is also the initial point of contact for the contractor to address questions that can be coordinated back with the engineer and owner as necessary. The RPR’s relationships with both the contractor and owner are a key component to a successful project for the contractor, engineer, and, most importantly, the owner. This is the ultimate goal of project success.
As experts in consulting services, Connico is focused on providing extraordinary results for our clients. Our skilled team of consultants – specializing in cost estimating, program management, scheduling/phasing, construction administration project management, and constructability planning services – has transformed airports, roadways, and communities across the country.
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