On the applied level, it makes the assumption that it is possible to forecast demand projections accurately, an assumption which has been empirically and theoretically discredited (de Neufville, 1976, 1991; Maldanado, 1990). We shall return to this point below when we consider the forecasts that were made in the case of DIA. Equally troubling is the naive way in which critical socio- economic and political variables are treated. These are key elements in decisions involving airport development, but are treated as externalities by the FAA’s approach. As a result, airport projects encounter numerous problems that might be avoided with an approach that more effectively incorporates these other variables.
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