Purdue University Airport (PAE) is a public-use airport located in West Lafayette, Indiana. It is the primary airport serving the Greater Lafayette area and is home to the Purdue University School of Aviation and Transportation Technology. PAE is also a Part 139-certified airport, which means that it meets the rigorous safety standards set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
What is Part 139 Certification?
Part 139 certification is a voluntary program that airports can participate in to demonstrate their commitment to safety. Airports that achieve Part 139 certification must meet a number of requirements, including:
- Developing and implementing a written safety management system (SMS)
- Conducting regular safety audits and inspections
- Providing training for all airport personnel
- Maintaining a comprehensive emergency response plan
Benefits of Part 139 Certification
There are a number of benefits to achieving Part 139 certification, including:
- Improved safety: Part 139-certified airports have a lower rate of accidents and incidents than non-certified airports.
- Reduced liability: Airports that are Part 139-certified are less likely to be held liable in the event of an accident or incident.
- Increased customer confidence: Passengers and airlines are more likely to choose airports that are Part 139-certified.
- Enhanced economic development: Part 139 certification can help to attract new businesses and jobs to the area.
How to Achieve Part 139 Certification
The process of achieving Part 139 certification can be complex and time-consuming. However, it is a worthwhile investment for airports that are committed to safety. The following steps can help airports to achieve Part 139 certification:
- Develop a safety management system (SMS). An SMS is a framework for managing safety at an airport. It should include policies, procedures, and processes for identifying, assessing, and mitigating safety risks.
- Conduct safety audits and inspections. Regular safety audits and inspections are essential for identifying and correcting safety deficiencies. Audits should be conducted by qualified personnel who are independent of the airport’s operations.
- Provide training for all airport personnel. All airport personnel must be trained on the airport’s SMS and emergency response plan. Training should be conducted regularly and should be tailored to the specific roles and responsibilities of each employee.
- Maintain a comprehensive emergency response plan. An emergency response plan is essential for coordinating and managing the response to an emergency at an airport. The plan should include procedures for evacuating passengers and employees, providing medical assistance, and securing the airport.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Airports that are seeking Part 139 certification should avoid the following common mistakes:
- Not developing a comprehensive SMS. An SMS is the foundation of a Part 139 safety program. It is essential that airports develop a comprehensive SMS that meets all of the requirements of Part 139.
- Not conducting regular safety audits and inspections. Safety audits and inspections are essential for identifying and correcting safety deficiencies. Airports should conduct regular audits and inspections and should use the results of these audits to improve their safety programs.
- Not providing training for all airport personnel. All airport personnel must be trained on the airport’s SMS and emergency response plan. Training should be conducted regularly and should be tailored to the specific roles and responsibilities of each employee.
- Not maintaining a comprehensive emergency response plan. An emergency response plan is essential for coordinating and managing the response to an emergency at an airport. The plan should include procedures for evacuating passengers and employees, providing medical assistance, and securing the airport.
Conclusion
Part 139 certification is a voluntary program that airports can participate in to demonstrate their commitment to safety. Airports that achieve Part 139 certification must meet a number of requirements, but the benefits of certification can be significant. If you are considering applying for Part 139 certification, it is important to be aware of the requirements and the common mistakes to avoid.
Tables
| Table 1: Benefits of Part 139 Certification |
|—|—|
| Improved safety | Reduced liability |
| Increased customer confidence | Enhanced economic development |
| Table 2: Common Mistakes to Avoid |
|—|—|
| Not developing a comprehensive SMS | Not conducting regular safety audits and inspections |
| Not providing training for all airport personnel | Not maintaining a comprehensive emergency response plan |
| Table 3: Part 139 Certification Requirements |
|—|—|
| Develop a safety management system (SMS) | Conduct safety audits and inspections |
| Provide training for all airport personnel | Maintain a comprehensive emergency response plan |
| Table 4: Purdue Airport Part 139 Certification Timeline |
|—|—|
| 2005 | PAE begins the process of applying for Part 139 certification |
| 2007 | PAE receives Part 139 certification |
| 2009 | PAE undergoes a Part 139 recertification audit |
| 2011 | PAE is granted a five-year extension of its Part 139 certification |
FAQs
1. What is Part 139 certification?
Part 139 certification is a voluntary program that airports can participate in to demonstrate their commitment to safety. Airports that achieve Part 139 certification must meet a number of requirements, including developing and implementing a written safety management system (SMS), conducting regular safety audits and inspections, providing training for all airport personnel, and maintaining a comprehensive emergency response plan.
2. What are the benefits of Part 139 certification?
The benefits of Part 139 certification include improved safety, reduced liability, increased customer confidence, and enhanced economic development.
3. How do I apply for Part 139 certification?
To apply for Part 139 certification, you must submit an application to the FAA. The application must include a detailed description of your airport’s safety management system, emergency response plan, and training program.
4. How long does it take to get Part 139 certification?
The time it takes to get Part 139 certification varies depending on the size and complexity of your airport. However, the average time to get certified is about two years.
5. How much does it cost to get Part 139 certification?
The cost of getting Part 139 certification varies depending on the size and complexity of your airport. However, the average cost to get certified is about $100,000.
6. What are the common mistakes to avoid when applying for Part 139 certification?
The common mistakes to avoid when applying for Part 139 certification include not developing a comprehensive SMS, not conducting regular safety audits and inspections, not providing training for all airport personnel, and not maintaining a comprehensive emergency response plan.