Regulatory Alert: FAA Updates CertAlert on Temporary Parking of Overflow Aircraft
March 25, 2020
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has updated National Part 139 CertAlert No. 20-02, originally issued on March 20, to allow temporary parking of overflow aircraft on runways under limited circumstances. This is a shift from the original CertAlert, which advised that parking on runways "must" be avoided because of the potential safety risk of inadvertent landings on a closed runway. As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, many airports are looking for locations to support the temporary parking of aircraft after airlines have begun to search for space to park up to 50% of their fleet. FAA's CertAlert includes a series of recommendations for airports to consider when managing this growing issue that has emerged in recent weeks.
You can view updated FAA CertAlert No. 20-02 here. AAAE's March 20 Regulatory Alert and the original FAA CertAlert can be viewed here.
AAAE had received questions from members on whether airports were permitted to park aircraft on runways in light of language included in the original March 20 FAA guidance. The CertAlert advised that "[p]arking on runways must be avoided due to the potential of increased safety risk of inadvertent landings on a closed runway during this long-term duration of the COVID-19 situation." The updated CertAlert now advises airports that "[p]arking on runways must be avoided to the extent practicable . . . ." This is more consistent with feedback that AAAE received from many members who expressed interest in parking aircraft on runways, but only if all other space is exhausted first.
FAA's updated CertAlert also advised that airports must follow two requirements should it decide to implement parking of aircraft in the movement area, including runways. First, normal procedures for the closing of movement areas must be followed in accordance with 14 C.F.R. § 139.339 and § 139.341, and related FAA guidance. Second, the airport should advise the assigned Airport Certification Safety Inspector and FAA Airports District Office or Regional Office prior to implementing any such parking plans.
If you have any questions, please contact Justin Barkowski at justin.barkowski@aaae.org.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has updated National Part 139 CertAlert No. 20-02, originally issued on March 20, to allow temporary parking of overflow aircraft on runways under limited circumstances. This is a shift from the original CertAlert, which advised that parking on runways "must" be avoided because of the potential safety risk of inadvertent landings on a closed runway. As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, many airports are looking for locations to support the temporary parking of aircraft after airlines have begun to search for space to park up to 50% of their fleet. FAA's CertAlert includes a series of recommendations for airports to consider when managing this growing issue that has emerged in recent weeks.
You can view updated FAA CertAlert No. 20-02 here. AAAE's March 20 Regulatory Alert and the original FAA CertAlert can be viewed here.
AAAE had received questions from members on whether airports were permitted to park aircraft on runways in light of language included in the original March 20 FAA guidance. The CertAlert advised that "[p]arking on runways must be avoided due to the potential of increased safety risk of inadvertent landings on a closed runway during this long-term duration of the COVID-19 situation." The updated CertAlert now advises airports that "[p]arking on runways must be avoided to the extent practicable . . . ." This is more consistent with feedback that AAAE received from many members who expressed interest in parking aircraft on runways, but only if all other space is exhausted first.
FAA's updated CertAlert also advised that airports must follow two requirements should it decide to implement parking of aircraft in the movement area, including runways. First, normal procedures for the closing of movement areas must be followed in accordance with 14 C.F.R. § 139.339 and § 139.341, and related FAA guidance. Second, the airport should advise the assigned Airport Certification Safety Inspector and FAA Airports District Office or Regional Office prior to implementing any such parking plans.
If you have any questions, please contact Justin Barkowski at justin.barkowski@aaae.org.
