After several e-mails from readers inquiring about Part 139 airports, I figured it was time to give Airport Chronicles some much needed attention with a new blog.

Under 14 CFR Part 139, the FAA is required to issue airport operating certificates to airports that:

• Serve scheduled and unscheduled air carrier aircraft with more than 30 seats;
• Serve scheduled air carrier operations in aircraft with more than 9 seats but less than 31 seats; and
• The FAA Administrator requires to have a certificate.

The list above is what will require an airport to become Part 139 certified, but any airport that requests certification can obtain an operating certificate if they choose to, however they will subject to the same requirements and annual inspections by the FAA.

A Part 139 certificate is a privilege and can be revoked at any time, given the airport does not meet specific criteria, such as proper airport personnel training, 24/7 ARFF (Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting), fire safety training of tenants, proper filing of administrative records, condition and documentation of all fuel farm facilities, and the condition of the movement area (runways and taxiways), including airfield lighting and signage. The movement area inspection is most important phase of the certification. Any visible cracks, holes, or subsidence is noted, as well as the condition and placement of markings and signs.

It is not cheap for an airport to be 139 certified, but it’s the FAA’s way of ensuring that the governing body of the airport can handle emergencies and is operating safely.