PORT OF SEATTLE
MEMORANDUM
COMMISSION AGENDA – STAFF BRIEFING
Item No.
7a
Date of Meeting
February 22, 2011
DATE: February 4, 2011
TO: Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer
FROM: Michael Ehl, Director Aviation Operations
SUBJECT: Briefing on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s Annual FAA FAR Part 139
Airport Certification/Safety Inspection
BACKGROUND
On January 27, 2011, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) completed their annual Federal
Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 139 Airport Certification/Safety Inspection at Seattle-Tacoma
International Airport (Airport).
The FAA requires annual airport inspections to determine an airport’s capability of operating in
all weather conditions, day and night. They may conduct any inspection to test compliance with
Federal standards. This four-day inspection includes:
Airport self-inspection program
Training programs
Safety procedures, with a focus on preventing runway incursions
Low visibility procedures
Fire Department response times
Vehicle driver training on the airfield
Airport emergency plan
Snow and ice control procedures
Ground vehicle movement
Aircraft fueling procedures and fuel truck safety
Runway and taxiway markings
Runway and airfield conditions
Electrical systems
Wildlife management
Examination of all Airfield and Fire Department operational records
During the outbriefing, FAA inspectors complimented Airport staff for the professionalism and
spirit of partnership. Specific accolades were made in regard to the Airport’s training records,
wildlife management, and emergency preparedness program.
COMMISSION AGENDA
Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer
February 4, 2011
Page 2 of 2
The inspection noted three discrepancies involving paint reflectivity of certain surface markings,
minor rutting in one location of the grassed runway safety area, and exceeding required Fire
Department response time to a simulated aircraft accident on the first attempt.
A great deal is owed to the many who make the success of these inspections possible. Thanks go
to the Fire Department, Aviation Maintenance, Aviation Finance and Budget for upholding our
FAA grant assurances, and Aviation Operations for the day-to-day stewardship of our Airport
Operating Certificate.
