Sea-Tac Gets Perfect Score in Faa Inspection

Unprecedented Fifth Year in a Row for Zero Discrepancies

(SEATTLE)--Seattle-Tacoma International Airport received a perfect score on its annual airport certification inspection conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This is the fifth consecutive year that the inspection, which covers training, safety, and emergency response procedures, found no discrepancies with FAA requirements.

"This is an extraordinary achievement for any airport and reflects the commitment, professionalism and teamwork of the Port's Aviation Division," said Michael Ehl, director of the aeronautical line of business at Sea-Tac.

The FAA's airport certification safety inspector Lynn Deardorff commended the many individuals who worked with her for long hours this week to complete this rigorous inspection.

The inspection includes a physical check of the airfield facilities, a review of records and documentation of procedures, and at least one surprise drill. The areas inspected included: safety procedures with a focus on preventing runway incursions; fire department response times; general training of airport personnel; airport emergency plan; snow and ice control procedures; aircraft fueling procedures and fuel truck safety; vehicle driver training on the airfield; wildlife management; and runway and taxiway markings and lighting.

"In the last few years, each inspection has become more complicated due to the construction on the airfield, the increase in the number of aircraft and the installation of a new fuel hydrant system," noted Gina Marie Lindsey, Airport Director. "Thus, receiving a perfect score is all the more impressive. We have a great team, here," she added.

"We believe this is the longest series of excellent safety inspections among the nation's 20 busiest airports. With a 24-hour operation, the emphasis on training never stops," Mark Coates, general manager of the airfield, said.