The purpose of
Airport Solutions Update
is to keep the public informed about the ongoing efforts to improve air service at Friedman Memorial Airport and to pursue
a replacement airport.
Our goal, as always, is to uphold our commitment to the public to be open, accessible and as transparent as possible.

 

Updates are posted on FLYFMA.COM
and sent out via email when new information is available.   

 

*NOTE: Items marked with an asterisk have occurred since the last FMAA meeting and will be briefed at the next meeting.  

October 26, 2012

  

Regional Jets at Friedman Memorial Airport (FMA) - In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared to evaluate environmental effects associated with proposed commercial scheduled regional jet operations at Friedman.  SkyWest Airlines has made a request to the FAA to modify their operations specification (ops-spec) to fly CRJ700s at Friedman, thus triggering a CRJ700 specific EA.

 

New Updates:

  • On Wednesday, October 24, the FAA announced the availability of the final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for modifications to SkyWest's operations specifications at Friedman. This action clears the way for the FAA to grant SkyWest's modification to operations specifications to replace the EMB-120ER Brasilia (a 30-passenger turboprop) with the Bombardier CRJ-700 (a twin engine jet aircraft with 65 passenger seats.)*
  • Though this means the CRJ-700 could then operate at Friedman, SkyWest has not said when they would begin flying.  It does allow SkyWest to begin planning for their future as a partner in air service with this community. *
  • This joint document is available for viewing at the airport's website (www.flyfma.com) and at the Airport Manager's office, the City of Hailey Building, Hailey and Ketchum Libraries, and Bellevue, Ketchum, Sun Valley and Carey City Halls.* m

 

Previous Updates:

  • A Draft EA has been prepared and made available for public review and comment.
  • Purpose of the EA is to provide of review of the environmental impacts for the change proposed and to provide disclosure of such to the public and decision makers.
  • The FAA will use the EA to document whether significant environmental impact may occur.
  • The number of flights per day studied in the EA was based on input provided by SkyWest.  Due to the fact that the CRJ-700 carries more passengers, it is anticipated that the number of daily flights would go down.

  • Overview of findings:

    • Slight reduction in size of noise contours.
    • No significant adverse impacts to any resources resulting from the proposed change. 

 

Improvements to Friedman Memorial Airport - The FAA has told us that FMA has design deficiencies that, if not remedied, could result in the reduction or elimination of some air service.  As such, the FMAA has instructed airport staff to work with the FAA to explore what fixes can be made at the existing airport.   The FAA's Northwest Mountain Regional Office has determined the next steps are to execute a technical analysis of possible alternatives to provide a safer airport for the aircraft that use the airport currently (C-II and C-III). 

 

New Updates:

  • None

 

Previous Updates:

  • At the October 2 FMAA, Dave Mitchell of T-O Engineers gave an update on the progress to date on the Alternatives Technical Analysis.
  • Eight (8) potential alternatives are in the process of being analyzed.
    • Four (4) that are in full compliance with FAA design standards
    • Four (4) that meet as many standards as possible, but would require some modification of standards to achieve compliance.
    • All eight (8) alternatives meet runway safety area (RSA) standards, as mandated by the FAA.
  • REMINDER:  the goal of this technical analysis, requested by the FAA, is to develop a preliminary list of alternatives that are technically feasible at the existing site, regardless of cost or potential environmental or social impact.  Evaluation of alternatives and, ultimately, selection of preferred alternatives, if necessary, would be addressed as a part of a future planning study with many opportunities for public involvement.  Neither the FMA Board, City of Hailey, nor the County have taken a position on any of the alternatives. 

General

  • The next Coffee Talk with Airport Manager, Rick Baird, is scheduled for Tuesday, November 27, 7:30 - 9:00AM at Jesse's Country Grill in Bellevue.
  • The next Airport Tour is scheduled for Wednesday, November 28 at 5-6:30PM. Space is limited, email Cecilia@flyfma.com to save your spot.
    •  

 

 

 

 
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