For the second consecutive year, the Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) passed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Safety Inspection with zero discrepancies – the highest rating a commercial airport can receive.

The FAA requires all U.S. airports providing commercial airline services to comply with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 139. FAR Part 139 serves to ensure safety in air transportation and defines the standards within which an airport must operate on a daily basis. The annual inspection is required for an airport to renew its operating certificate.

This critical and comprehensive annual safety inspection focuses on areas such as aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment, training and response times; condition of runway and taxiway pavement, markings and lighting; movement area; driver training; fuel storage and handling; obstructions to airspace; wildlife hazard management; and accuracy and completeness of records for facility self-inspections. FAA inspectors also critique the airport's certification manual – a comprehensive document that includes an emergency plan for a variety of operational scenarios.

“It is very rare for an airport to receive this honor just once—let alone twice. Two perfect ratings in a row speaks volumes about the management team and employees at IDA,” states Idaho Falls Mayor Casper.

IDA not only successfully passed the inspection, but also received accolades once again for having zero discrepancies. The FAA also noted the need for additional snow removal equipment to meet the growing needs of airport operations.

IDA Airport Director Craig Davis states, “Operating an airport is no easy task. It takes consistent and meticulous operations and maintenance. We have great employees who take pride in running a safe and secure operation to keep the traveling public safe. I am very proud of all of them.”  

Media Note: For more information or to schedule an interview with Director Davis, contact Public Information Officer, Kerry Hammon.

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