Airports: Faa Certification And Licensing Requirements Explained

In the United States, airports that serve certain air carrier operations are required to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This certification falls under 14 CFR Part 139, which mandates that airports meet specific safety and emergency response standards, such as those related to signs, lights, markings, runway safety, aircraft rescue, and wildlife hazard management. To obtain an Airport Operating Certificate, airports must agree to operational and safety standards, which include providing firefighting and rescue equipment. The FAA conducts inspections to ensure ongoing compliance with these regulations, and failure to meet the requirements can result in administrative actions, financial penalties, or even revocation of the airport's certificate.

The FAA issues certificates to airports that meet safety and emergency response requirements

The FAA issues Airport Operating Certificates to airports that meet safety and emergency response requirements. This is known as Part 139 Airport Certification.

Part 139 Airport Certification requires that airports meet certain operational and safety standards, including providing firefighting and rescue equipment. These requirements vary depending on the size of the airport and the type of flights available. Airports that serve fewer passengers per year and for which certain requirements would create a financial hardship may be eligible for exemptions from the FAA.

To obtain an Airport Operating Certificate, airports must submit an application and undergo inspections by FAA Airport Certification Safety Inspectors. These inspections typically occur yearly but can also be unannounced. The process includes a pre-inspection review of airport files and certification manuals, briefings with airport management, administrative inspections of paperwork, movement area inspections, aircraft rescue and firefighting inspections, fueling facilities inspections, and night inspections (if applicable).

If an airport is found to be non-compliant with Part 139 requirements, the FAA may impose administrative actions, financial penalties, or revoke the airport's certificate.

The FAA currently issues certificates to approximately 520 US airports.

Airports must submit an Airport Certification Manual (ACM) to obtain a certificate

In the United States, airports that serve certain air carrier operations are required to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This certification falls under 14 CFR Part 139, Certification of Airports (Part 139), where the FAA issues Airport Operating Certificates to airports that meet specific safety and emergency response requirements. To obtain this certificate, airports must submit an Airport Certification Manual (ACM).

The ACM is a written document that outlines how the airport operator will comply with the requirements of Part 139. It covers a range of critical areas, including signs, lights and markings, runway safety, aircraft rescue and firefighting, aviation fuelling safety, snow and ice control, and wildlife hazard management. Airports that already hold a Part 139 Airport Operating Certificate will have an existing ACM, while those with a Part 139 Limited Airport Operating Certificate will have a modified version called the Airport Certification Specifications (ACS). However, under updated regulations, all ACSs must be transitioned into ACMs.

When applying for an Airport Operating Certificate (AOC), airport operators must initiate the process by contacting the appropriate FAA Regional Airports Division Office. The FAA will then interview the airport operator to gather information about the airport and the type of air carrier operations served or anticipated. If the FAA determines that certification is necessary, the airport operator will receive an application for certification (FAA Form 5280-1) along with relevant guidance materials.

The airport operator then submits the completed application, which includes two copies of the proposed ACM and documentation indicating the anticipated start date of air carrier service. The FAA will review the application and associated documentation and may conduct an inspection of the airport to ensure compliance with Part 139 requirements. During this review process, the FAA will collaborate with the airport operator to tailor the ACM, making any necessary changes to ensure compliance.

Ultimately, the FAA will issue an AOC if the application, documentation, and on-site inspection all confirm compliance with Part 139. This certificate may include additional provisions deemed necessary by the FAA to ensure the safety of air transportation. To prevent potential interruptions in air carrier operations, the FAA encourages airport operators to submit their certificate applications and ACMs in advance of the deadlines.

The FAA conducts inspections to ensure airports are meeting requirements

To ensure that airports with Airport Operating Certificates are meeting the requirements of Part 139, the FAA conducts certification inspections. These inspections typically occur yearly, but the FAA can also make unannounced inspections. The basic phases of a Part 139 inspection include a pre-inspection review of office airport files and the airport certification manual, an in-briefing with airport management, an administrative inspection of airport files and paperwork, a movement area inspection, an aircraft rescue and firefighting inspection, a fuelling facilities inspection, and a night inspection.

The FAA's goal in conducting these inspections is to work with airports to ensure compliance with regulations, minimize risk, and ensure safety. If an airport is found to be non-compliant, the FAA will often impose an administrative action and may also impose a financial penalty for each day the airport continues to violate a Part 139 requirement. In extreme cases, the FAA might revoke the airport's certificate or limit the areas of an airport where air carriers can land or take off.

Airports must provide firefighting and rescue equipment

Airports are required to provide firefighting and rescue services and equipment during air carrier operations. This is known as Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) and involves incident response, hazard mitigation, evacuation, and the potential rescue of passengers and crew from an aircraft involved in an emergency on the ground.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) defines the requirements for Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (RFFS) in Annex 14, Volume 1 - Aerodrome Design and Operations. This requires member states to provide rescue and firefighting services and equipment at airports under their jurisdiction.

In the US, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues Airport Operating Certificates to airports that comply with safety and emergency response requirements specified in Part 139. These requirements include aircraft rescue and firefighting capabilities, with a minimum level of service based on the size of the aircraft and the number of daily departures.

The specific equipment and agents required for each Index category are as follows:

• Index A: One vehicle carrying at least 500 pounds of sodium-based dry chemical, halon 1211, or clean agent; or 450 pounds of potassium-based dry chemical and water with a commensurate quantity of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) to total 100 gallons for simultaneous dry chemical and AFFF application.
• Index B: One vehicle carrying at least 500 pounds of sodium-based dry chemical, halon 1211, or clean agent and 1,500 gallons of water with AFFF; and one vehicle carrying an amount of water and AFFF so that the total quantity of water for foam production carried by both vehicles is at least 1,500 gallons.
• Index C: One vehicle carrying the extinguishing agents as specified for Index A or B; and two vehicles carrying an amount of water and AFFF so that the total quantity of water for foam production carried by all three vehicles is at least 3,000 gallons.
• Index D: One vehicle carrying the extinguishing agents as specified for Index A or B; and two vehicles carrying an amount of water and AFFF so that the total quantity of water for foam production carried by all three vehicles is at least 4,000 gallons.
• Index E: One vehicle carrying the extinguishing agents as specified for Index A or B; and two vehicles carrying an amount of water and AFFF so that the total quantity of water for foam production carried by all three vehicles is at least 6,000 gallons.

In addition to the above equipment requirements, airports must also ensure that:

• Vehicles are equipped with two-way voice radio communications to allow contact with other emergency vehicles, the air traffic control tower, and fire stations.
• Vehicles have a flashing or rotating beacon and are painted or marked to enhance contrast and visibility.
• Vehicles are maintained in a state of operational capability during all air carrier operations, with immediate replacement or notification of the FAA and air carriers if a vehicle becomes inoperative.
• There are sufficient trained personnel available during all air carrier operations to operate the vehicles, meet response times, and meet minimum agent discharge rates.
• Procedures and equipment are established to alert rescue and firefighting personnel to emergencies.
• Roads designated for use as emergency access roads for ARFF vehicles are maintained to support these vehicles in all weather conditions.

The FAA can impose financial penalties for non-compliance

In the United States, airports that serve certain air carrier operations are mandated to be certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA issues Airport Operating Certificates to airports that meet the safety and emergency response requirements outlined in Part 139. These requirements encompass various aspects, such as signs, lights and markings, runway safety, aircraft rescue and firefighting, and wildlife hazard management.

The FAA plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with regulations and has the authority to impose financial penalties on entities that fail to adhere to the established standards. The Enforcement Division of the FAA is responsible for initiating legal enforcement actions to address instances of non-compliance. The FAA's compliance program aims to proactively identify problems within the National Airspace System (NAS) and implement corrective measures to prevent incidents or accidents.

The FAA follows a structured process when dealing with non-compliance. Initially, they opt for informal procedures, including conferences with an FAA attorney, to provide alleged violators an opportunity to present their case and resolve the issue amicably. If the informal route proves unsuccessful, the Enforcement Division may initiate certificate actions, such as certificate suspensions or revocations, against entities holding FAA-issued certificates. These actions serve as disciplinary measures and are intended to deter future non-compliance.

In cases of civil penalty actions, the FAA can impose substantial financial penalties. The penalties vary depending on the nature of the violation and the category of the violator. For instance, the penalty amount for individuals serving as airmen or individuals not serving as airmen can range from $1,100 to $27,500 per violation. The FAA also has the authority to issue orders assessing civil penalties of up to $400,000 against entities other than individuals and small business concerns, and up to $50,000 against individuals and small business concerns.

It is important to note that the FAA's primary goal is not solely punishment but also fostering compliance and mitigating risks. They employ a range of tools, including counseling, administrative actions, and legal actions, to address non-compliance effectively. The FAA's enforcement actions are outlined in the FAA Compliance and Enforcement Program, Order 2150.3C, which provides detailed information on the policies, procedures, and guidelines followed by the agency.

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