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 IFLYSUN.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.

January 2014

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 (C-III) for aircraft that use the airport currently. The team has identified a plan to meet the congressional runway safety area requirement by the December 31, 2015 deadline and is currently in the process of implementing it.

Runway Safety Area Improvements Project

The FMAA Board has approved three Scopes of Work (SOW) related the RSA Improvements Project
- Terminal reconfiguration SOW
- Airport operations building SOW
- Hangar acquisition SOW
The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) has been approved and will be forwarded to the FAA as a matter of record. The CIP demonstrates FMAA is on track for the implementation of a $35M Airport improvement project.
Prequalification for construction contractors for civil projects planned for FY 2014 and FY2015 has been completed. The prequalified contractors will be given the opportunity to bid the projects as designs are completed.
As a reminder, the RSA Improvements Project will require two airport closures of approximately one month each in late April and early May of 2014 and 2015. The projected closure dates for 2014 are scheduled for April 28 - May 22 (re-opening in time for Memorial Day weekend).

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.

The Master Planning process is under way to help FMAA shape near, medium and long term plans for air service with development of a scope of work outline. Development of this scope continues and updates will be presented at future board meetings.

Improvements to Air Service:

On January 6, FMAA, Fly Sun Valley Alliance, Sun Valley Company and a number of local business and community members welcomed Delta Airlines' first regional jet to SUN. This inaugural flight marks a new era of regional jet service by an important SUN carrier.

Upcoming Opportunities to Learn More

Coffee Talk - Q&A with Airport Manager Rick Baird and Communications Director, Candice Pate
- Tuesday, February 4, 7:30-9AM at Zaney's Coffee, Hailey
Airport Tour - see the challenges first hand
- Wednesday, February 5, 12:00-1:30PM, light lunch will be served. Space is limited, email Cecilia@flyfma.com to reserve your spot.