Eastern Region - AEA620: Other Safety & Standards Programs

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Wildlife Hazard Management

The National Transportation Safety Board has recommended that all Part 139 airports be required to conduct a wildlife hazard assessment, if they have not previously done so, and to develop a wildlife hazard management plan, if so indicated by the assessment, and incorporate the plan in the Airport Certification Manual (ACM).

The Eastern Region has been in the forefront of this effort in that we were instrumental as a founding member of the Bird Strike Committee — USA. This organization has a mission statement to serve airports in assessing a need for and developing wildlife hazard management plans. Through FAA, Airport Division efforts, and agreements with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Fish and Wildlife Services, airport sponsors can request assistance in developing means to mitigate wildlife hazards and conduct ecological studies. Our review efforts extend beyond the airport boundaries out to a distance of five miles to ensure that there is no development, such as a landfill or other wildlife attractant, which could pose a wildlife hazard threat to aviation safety.

Modification of Standards

In order to clarify and expedite review of Modification of Standards, we developed a regional policy that clearly explain the criteria when modifications of standards are needed, and the divisional review process. To develop the policy we consulted with Headquarters, other regions and the Airport Consultant Council.

The Regional Policy includes the form needed to apply for approval of modification of standards and the instructions on how to fill out the form. Although the Policy is for internal use, the policy is placed in the Eastern Region Home Page, so that sponsor and consultant can understand the modification of standards process and submit their request with all necessary documentation.

Airport Compliance Program

The FAA is responsible for ensuring airport owners' compliance with their Federal obligations through its Airport Compliance Program. Eastern Region's airport compliance efforts are based on the contractual obligations, which an airport owner accepts when receiving Federal grant funds or the transfer of Federal property for airport purposes. These obligations are incorporated in grant agreements and instruments of conveyance in order to protect the public's interest in civil aviation and to ensure compliance with Federal laws.

FAA Order 5190.6A covers all aspects of the airport compliance program except enforcement procedures.

Formal enforcement procedures regarding airport compliance matters, are reviewed by filing a complaint under FAA Rules of Practice for Federally Assisted Airport Proceedings (14 CFR Part 16) for complaints filed as of December 16, 1996. For complaints filed before December 16, 1996, Investigative and Enforcement Procedures, 14 CFR Part 13 were followed.

Informal procedures used in Eastern Region to resolve potential noncompliance is handled cooperatively between the Airport District Offices and the Regional Compliance Program Manager. These cases include issues such as exclusive rights, discriminatory issues, lease and minimum standards review, and disputes on rates and charges and revenue diversion.

In addition to the above mentioned compliance activity, Eastern Region is responsible for assuring timely compliance with the required Airport Financial report (forms 5100-125, 5100-126) submissions. The region together with the Airport District Offices ensure the submittal of these reports from sixty airports and provide brief review and follow-up with Washington Headquarters with issues that could be potential violations of the FAA Airport Revenue Use Policy.

Obstruction Evaluation & Airport Airspace Analysis (OE/AAA) Program

The Airport division shares the FAAs responsibility for reviewing any changes to the nations airports, heliports and seaplane bases, as well as construction near these landing areas. The purpose is to protect the safety and efficiency of the airspace system. This work involves analyzing the proposed changes or construction(See Forms 7460 & 7480)for its effect on aircraft operations, advising the proponents of our findings and changing the national databases to reflect any changed conditions.

In 1999 there were approximately 4100 obstruction evaluations, (OE Cases) for construction near airports, and approximately 420 studies for changes or construction on airports, including the establishment of new private airports, heliports, and seaplane bases (NRA Cases). We also reviewed approximately 180 cases for review of Airway Facilities equipment installation on airports (NRs Cases). The Airports Division introduced streamlined procedures and an automation-assisted program this year in order to provide quicker responses to the proponents filing these cases.

In addition to our review of permanent changes, we are also involved in the review of temporary or special events. In 1999 this occurred at Floyd Bennett Field for their display of World War II aircraft.