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.  

August 13, 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     

  • Discussions with the FAA regarding the modifications to standards (MOS) are nearing completion. Airport staff is awaiting clarification on the FAA's recent request for additional operational restrictions regarding the runway taxiway separation. Though the Safety Risk Management (SRM) Panel held in June concluded that no additional operational restrictions were necessary, airport staff is confident they will be able to accommodate even the most restrictive procedure proposed.  

  • Part of the project involves moving aircraft parking to the north to satisfy the object free area requirements. As this will require some terminal reconfiguration to move passengers to the new parking area, it presents an opportunity to explore other ways to improve the passenger experience. Different configurations are being developed, each of which involve some degree of terminal growth as well as renovation.

  • Relentless forward progress continues with next steps including finalizing of the MOS, completing SRM panel documentation, continuing with formulation tasks, executing a bidding process and finally beginning construction in mid- September.

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:

  • A Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) grant was filed on July 19th. The application contained a number of very compelling letters from businesses and organizations in the Valley. It requests $500,000 in federal assistance to go towards a total project cost of $739,000 aimed at improving connectivity of SUN with East Coast markets. We expect to hear results September or October.  

  • Fly Sun Valley Alliance announced that "Realtors for Air", an innovative program developed by the Sun Valley Board of Realtors in partnership with the Sun Valley Resort and Fly Sun Valley Alliance generated over $70,000 in support for FSVA air service development efforts from 187 realtors across 16 offices this past year.

Upcoming Opportunities to Learn More
  • Coffee Talk - Q&A with Airport Manager Rick Baird and Communications Director, Candice Pate
    • Tuesday, August 27, 7:30-9AM Veloccio in Ketchum 

     

  • Airport Tour - see the challenges first hand
    • Wednesday, August 28, 5:30-7PM. Space is limited, email Cecilia@flyfma.com to reserve your spot.