AVMG 408 Part 139 (Part 1)

Part 139 Primary Objective

Ensure safety in air transportation by regulating airport operation and maintenance.

Scheduled Operations Part 139 Threshold

Passenger-carrying aircraft designed for more than 9 passenger seats.

Unscheduled Operations Part 139 Threshold

Passenger-carrying aircraft designed for at least 31 passenger seats.

Class 1 Airport

Scheduled operations of large air carriers (31 seats or more).

Class 2 Airport

Scheduled small air carrier operations (10-30 seats) and unscheduled large air carrier operations.

Class 3 Airport

Only scheduled small air carrier operations (10-30 seats).

Class 4 Airport

Only unscheduled operations of large air carrier aircraft (31 seats or more).

Airport Certification Manual (ACM)

A document explaining how an airport complies with Part 139.

ACM Approval Levels

Approved by both the Airport Operator and the FAA.

Airport Operating Certificate (AOC)

Issued by FAA upon approving the ACM, identifying the airport class.

ACM Compliance Responsibility

Placed directly on the airport operator.

Part 139 Operational Window

Must comply from 15 minutes before until 15 minutes after air carrier operations.

Unsafe Conditions Responsibility

Operator must halt air carrier operations if unsafe conditions exist.

Deviation Definition

Departing from Part 139 regulatory requirements due to emergency conditions.

Deviation Reporting

Manager must inform the FAA in writing within 14 days of occurrence if requested.

Poor Planning and Deviations

Poor planning is never considered a valid deviation.

Core of Part 139

The self-inspection process conducted primarily by the airport operator.

Daily Inspection Areas

Includes pavement, safety areas, lighting, fueling, nav aids, ARFF, and wildlife.

Continuous Inspection Activities

Fueling, construction, vehicles, snow/ice, public protection, wildlife, and FOD.

Periodic Condition Inspection Intervals

Weekly, monthly, or quarterly depending on the specific activity or facility.

Periodic Condition Evaluation Examples

Rubber buildup, tree growth, faded signs, nav aids, and ARFF response times.

Special Inspection Triggers

Conducted after complaints, unusual meteorological events, or aircraft accidents/incidents.

Inspector Training Area 1

Airport familiarization.

Inspector Training Area 2

The Airport Emergency Plan (AEP).

Inspector Training Area 3

NOTAM procedures.

Inspector Training Area 4

Pedestrian and ground vehicle procedures in movement areas.

Inspector Training Area 5

Airport inspection procedures, techniques, and discrepancy reporting.

Inspector Training Area 6

Correct radio communication phraseology and procedures from the AIM.

Self-Inspection Training Frequency

Must occur at least every 12 months.

Self-Inspection Training Records

Must be kept for 24 consecutive months.

Inspection Records Retention

Must be kept for 12 months.

Grant Assurances 11 and 19

Obligations for effective pavement maintenance and management programs over pavement life.

Pavement Management Program (PMP)

Regular or recurring work necessary to sustain pavement in good condition.

PMP Routine Work Examples

Cleaning, crack sealing, patching, seal coating, edge grading, and marking restoration.

Pavement Rehabilitation Timing

Rehabilitating at 11-15 years extends life at lower cost than replacing at 20.

Asphalt Signs of Failure Categories

Cracking, disintegration, distortion, and loss of skid resistance.

Longitudinal vs Transverse Cracking

Longitudinal is more severe because aircraft tires can get stuck.

Pavement Hole Definition

Opening >5 inches wide, >3 inches deep, with side slope >45 degrees.

Pavement Friction Evaluation Frequency

Airports with jet traffic should schedule annual friction evaluations.

Friction Measuring Equipment Types

Decelerometers (DEC) and Continuous Friction Measuring Equipment (CFME).

Dynamic Hydroplaning Cause

A wedge of water builds up in front of tires, lifting them off.

Viscous Hydroplaning Cause

Oil or rubber combined with water forms an impenetrable liquid layer.

Runway Grooving Benefits

Reduces hydroplaning, maintains tire contact, and aids directional and braking control.

Rubber Removal Methods

Chemical solvents, high-pressure water, and high-velocity impact methods (shot blasting).

Airport Condition Reporting Rule

Section 139.339 requires timely collection and dissemination of deficient conditions.

NOTAM Primary System

Notice to Air Missions used to convey safety information to airport users.

ARFF Structural Fire Requirements

Part 139 does not require minimum personnel or equipment for structural fires.

ARFF Index Calculation Criteria

Based on longest air carrier aircraft length and frequency of service.

Dry Chemical ARFF Agent Action

Directly inhibits the chemical chain reaction of the fire tetrahedron (e.g., Purple K).

AFFF Extinguishing Agent Mechanism

Foam blanket blocks oxygen, liquid forms aqueous film, water cools, expands 6-10x.