Report Prepared by: Janet E. Young, Interim Airport Manager
Title
SUBJECT: Relinquishment of FAA Part 139 Certificate for the Merced Regional Airport
REPORT IN BRIEF
Consider the relinquishment of FAA Part 139 Certificate for the Merced Regional Airport (MCE) due to Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) cost.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving the relinquishment of the City of Merced Regional Airport FAA Part 139 Certificate; and, authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve the relinquishment of FAA Part 139 Certificate for the Merced Regional Airport, as recommended by the City Manager; or,
2. Keep FAA Part 139 Certificate and continue with status quo; or,
3. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
4. Deny and reject all alternatives.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200; Merced Municipal Code Section 2.32.020.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Fiscal year 2016-2017 Budget
DISCUSSION
FAA Part 139 Certificate
The reason for considering the surrender of the Part 139 certificate is to address Fire Department staffing costs associated with meeting Part 139 requirements. In the case of an airport such as MCE, Part 139 requires a minimum of one qualified fire fighter to operate the ARFF unit. It is also important to note that the labor union agreement states "three fire fighters will be on an engine or truck." The current situation with one fire fighter stationed during the required times for ARFF duty is amassing significant staffing costs and presents staffing schedule issues. Due to the magnitude of the potential cost savings related to ARFF services provided by the Merced Fire Department to the MCE, the City is strongly considering the relinquishment of the FAA Part 139 certificate currently held by the Airport, a critical component of the City's infrastructure.
Federal regulations mandate that an airport must hold a Par...
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