It's a Four-Peat! Sea-Tac Gets Fourth Perfect Inspection from FAA

Annual review tests airport training, safety and emergency response procedures

(Seattle)--Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has received a fourth consecutive perfect score on its annual airport recertification inspection conducted this month by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The annual inspection essentially renews the Port of Seattle's license to continue operating Sea-Tac airport.

"This is a great honor for our staff," said Gina Marie Lindsey, Managing Director of Aviation for the Port of Seattle. "Perfect scores are rare, and we know of no other airports that have received four consecutive perfect scores."

The inspection includes a physical check of the facility, a review of records and documentation and at least one surprise drill. Among the areas inspected were

Safety procedures;
Fire Department response times;
General training of airport personnel;
Airport emergency plan;
Snow & ice control procedures;
Aircraft fueling procedures;
Ground vehicle movement;
Runway and taxiway markings.

The Port of Seattle Fire Department especially shined, finishing its surprise drill in half the time allowed under FAA rules.

"They have to have all emergency equipment to the midpoint of the farthest runway in four minutes," said Lindsey. "They were there in two."

Training for all airport staff is reviewed by the FAA, because should an emergency occur virtually every airport employee would have a role to play. The inspector reported that training records were up to date and reflected that airport staff had received proper training.

"Lots of organizations train their people well," said Charles Blood, manager of the airport's Airfield Line of Business. "Many fall down on the documentation side, and we made sure to avoid that mistake."

The inspector went so far as to ask Sea-Tac staff if they would be willing to help other airports that might be struggling with the annual inspections.

"We'd be honored," said Blood.

Lindsey pointed out that the latest perfect score comes at a particularly challenging time for the airport. Passenger numbers are increasing dramatically, and construction is getting under way on $2.6 billion in capital improvements.

"We would expect our staff to get a passing score regardless of the challenges," Lindsey said. "To ace the exam at the busiest time in the history of the airport is just amazing."