2019-102 FAA Part 139 Inspection ReportDate: May 10, 2019 Report No. 2019-102
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 139 Initial
Inspection Report.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Council provided staff direction on November 5, 2018 to pursue FAR Part 139 Airport Certification, as was previously recommended in the 2015 Airport Master Plan and 2011 Airport Business Plan. On January 24, 2019 and February 7, 2019 the FAA conducted a preliminary Part 139 inspection at the Airport. FAA provided the Inspection Report on April 17, 2019, which indicated several deficiencies. FAA indicated that none of the identified items would prevent the
Airport from pursuing Airport Certification. The FAA went further to complement the Airport’s condition overall. BACKGROUND: On January 24, 2019 the FAA conducted a preliminary Part 139 inspection at the Airport. Eight
members of the FAA’s compliance/inspection team spent the day with Airport staff going over all aspects of the Airport’s operations and safety. Focus areas included: movement area pavement and lighting, security fencing, fuel farms, and ARFF capabilities. On February 7, 2019, a follow-up night inspection was conducted to insure all runway and taxiway lights and signs were functioning properly, as well as ensuring the reflectivity of the pavement markings.
The FAA’s report was received on April 17, 2019. The report identified seven Part 139 sections that had deficiencies as follows: 1. Paved Areas
o Runway 18/36 has several areas of cracks and flacking 2. Safety Areas o Numerous areas of 3” lips o Irregular infield drainage inlet o Several sign bases settling
3. Markings, Signs and Lighting
o Surface Painted Hold Position Signs will be required o Enhanced Taxiway Centerlines Markings o Taxiway Alpha and Bravo centerline obscured 4. Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting: Equipment and Agents
o Conduct regular tests of ARFF trucks and agent 5. Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting: Operational Requirements o Dispatch/response procedural improvements o Install aircraft radios in primary ARFF vehicles 6. Hazardous Materials
o Self-serve signage
Date: May 10, 2019 Report No. 2019-102
o Fuel farm signage o Refueling truck parking o Refueling truck maintenance
7. Traffic/Wind Indicators
o Primary wind cone faded o Relocate secondary wind cones FAA indicated that none of the identified items would prevent the Airport from pursuing Airport
Certification. The FAA went further to complement the Airport’s condition overall. Several of the items identified will likely be addressed utilizing future TxDOT grants, such as pavement repairs, markings, and relocating wind cones. The Safety Area items are being examined
by staff to determine if those repairs can be completed “in-house” or if outside contractor’s
assistance would be required. Staff has coordinated with the Fire Department and Air Traffic Control Tower Manager on enhancing the various ARFF issues. The Hazardous Material items will be provided to the tenants so that they can address their facility discrepancies.
CONCLUSION:
In order to gather additional details on anticipated annual costs, staffing, and procedures, staff has been in communication with representatives of Tuscaloosa Regional Airport, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to coordinate a visit in early summer to review their Part 139 operations. This airport is currently utilizing their Part 139 certificate to support sports charters associated with the University
of Alabama, similar to Denton’s anticipated use with UNT. Following this visit, staff will prepare
a report with an anticipated timeline, capital projects and associated funding sources, and budget impacts. STAFF CONTACT:
Scott Gray
Airport Manager
Scott.Gray@cityofdenton.com
940-349-7744