PORT OF SEATTLE 
MEMORANDUM 

COMMISSION AGENDA  STAFF BRIEFING   Item No.      7a 
Date of Meeting   February 22, 2011 
DATE:    February 4, 2011 
TO:      Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
FROM:    Michael Ehl, Director Aviation Operations 
SUBJECT:  Briefing on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's Annual FAA FAR Part 139
Airport Certification/Safety Inspection 

BACKGROUND
On January 27, 2011, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) completed their annual Federal
Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 139 Airport Certification/Safety Inspection at Seattle-Tacoma
International Airport (Airport). 
The FAA requires annual airport inspections to determine an airport's capability of operating in
all weather conditions, day and night. They may conduct any inspection to test compliance with
Federal standards. This four-day inspection includes: 
Airport self-inspection program 
Training programs 
Safety procedures, with a focus on preventing runway incursions 
Low visibility procedures 
Fire Department response times 
Vehicle driver training on the airfield 
Airport emergency plan 
Snow and ice control procedures 
Ground vehicle movement 
Aircraft fueling procedures and fuel truck safety 
Runway and taxiway markings 
Runway and airfield conditions 
Electrical systems 
Wildlife management 
Examination of all Airfield and Fire Department operational records 
During the outbriefing, FAA inspectors complimented Airport staff for the professionalism and
spirit of partnership. Specific accolades were made in regard to the Airport's training records,
wildlife management, and emergency preparedness program.

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
February 4, 2011 
Page 2 of 2 

The inspection noted three discrepancies involving paint reflectivity of certain surface markings,
minor rutting in one location of the grassed runway safety area, and exceeding required Fire
Department response time to a simulated aircraft accident on the first attempt. 
A great deal is owed to the many who make the success of these inspections possible. Thanks go
to the Fire Department, Aviation Maintenance, Aviation Finance and Budget for upholding our
FAA grant assurances, and Aviation Operations for the day-to-day stewardship of our Airport
Operating Certificate.