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July 15, 2013
Improvements to Friedman Memorial Airport - The Federal Aviation Administration has indicated that FMA has design deficiencies that, if not remedied, could result in the reduction or elimination of some air service. As such, FMAA partnered with the FAA to study ways to meet the design standards for aircraft that use the airport currently (C-II and C-III). The team has identified a plan to meet congressional safety area requirement and is currently in the process of implementing it.
Runway Safety Area Improvements Project
- The results of the Safety Risk Management (SRM) Panel held June 4 and 5 to assess seven proposed Modifications to Standards (MOS) were very positive. Airport Staff and T-O Engineers believe the results of this safety evaluation demonstrate how sound the community's plan really is and they will continue to move forward under the assumption the proposed MOS will be approved. Documentation of the SRM results is expected in the next 60 days.
- The formulation of the Runway Safety Area Improvements Project continues. Refinements to the original plan include more connecting taxiways, fewer hangar removals and more extensive terminal modifications. Meetings with airport stakeholders to review the project are underway.
- Phase 1 of construction is scheduled to begin this fall, keeping the entire project on track with the Dec. 31, 2015 Congressionally-mandated deadline.
Instruments Procedures Feasibility Study
- A study funded by FMAA, released in April 2013, showed that improvements in reliability are possible, though they are expensive and difficult to achieve. These improvements could be realized through modifications to approaches and/or installation of ground-based navigation equipment.
- FMAA is awaiting a response to a letter submitted to the FAA requesting modification to the existing approaches/missed approaches. Next steps would be a more detailed study regarding potential improvements from ground-based navigation equipment.
Pursuit of a replacement airport- A replacement airport is likely the best long-term solution for air service to this community. Critical components in the replacement airport process would include locating a feasible site, building community support, identifying and developing funding sources and evaluating operational feasibility.
- Airport staff is working with the FAA to preserve as much information gathered in the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) as possible. FMAA requested formal termination of the EIS this spring.
Improvements to Air Service:
- FMAA, together with Fly Sun Valley Alliance and Sun Valley Company and potentially other community organizations will apply for a Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) Grant. The goal is to improve connectivity of SUN with East Coast markets. The community was a recipient of this grant 11 years ago, which facilitated direct flights to Los Angeles on Alaska Airlines. Results are expected this fall.
- Fly Sun Valley Alliance announced that negotiations with Alaska Airlines are nearing completion for 2014 and that service will be expanding for both the upcoming winter and summer seasons.
Upcoming Opportunities to Learn More
- WREP Airport Forum with Airport Manager, Rick Baird, and Fly Sun Valley Alliance President
- Eric Seder, - Wednesday, July 24, 5:30PM. CompUCenter, downstairs in Giacobbi Square, Ketchum
- Coffee Talk - Q&A with Airport Manager Rick Baird and Communications Director, Candice Pate
- Tuesday, July 30, 7:30-9AM Zaney's Coffee, Hailey
- Airport Tour - see the challenges first hand
- Wednesday, July 31, 5:00-6:30PM. Space is limited, email Cecilia@flyfma.com to reserve your spot.
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