TagFAA(687)
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2025-10-10FAA Grant Compliance Review: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Report
The FAA conducted a compliance review of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), managed by the Port of Seattle, to assess whether airport revenues were being used in accordance with federal law and FAA policies. The review found several violations, including the use of airport funds for familiarization tours promoting tourism and existing airline routes, which are prohibited forms of general economic development. The FAA ordered reimbursement of over $354,000 in improper marketing expenses and required the Port to immediately stop using airport revenue for non-compliant marketing activities. -
2025-10-07Des Moines City Council proposes airport legislative agenda
Modest progress with one glitch The last meeting of the Des Moines City Council introduced a first draft of their state airport legislative agenda. There were important positive steps, marred only by one glitch. The presentation slides reflected last year’s agenda, which still mentioned funding for a fixed-site Air Quality Monitor as a goal. That -
The PFC Explainer
Every time you fly out of Sea-Tac, $4.50 of your ticket price goes directly to the airport. That charge, called a Passenger Facility Charge (PFC), is a multi-billion dollar fund, and one of the biggest single revenue sources for airport expansion. In the past it was used for noise-mitigation programs. Today? Not so much. -
FAA Part 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Planning — eCFR Title 14 Overview
Screenshot of the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) showing Title 14 (Aeronautics and Space), Chapter I (Federal Aviation Administration), Subchapter I (Airports), Part 150 (Airport Noise Compatibility Planning), sections 150.1–150.35, including Subparts A, B, and C, plus Appendices A and B covering Noise Exposure Maps and Noise Compatibility Programs. -
2025-09-29Why Is Your Flight Always Delayed? Blame Government Shutdowns.
By Binyamin Appelbaum Opinion Writer Sept. 29, 2025 The Federal Aviation Administration doesn’t have enough air traffic controllers to control the nation’s air traffic. It’s a big problem. Airlines have been forced to delay, reschedule or cancel thousands of flights, especially at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. If you’ve flown recently, perhaps you’ve -
2025-09-26Appendix O: Agency & Public Engagement (with responses)
Appendix O of the FAA NEPA Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) at Sea-Tac Airport. Documents agency and public engagement activities during the EA process, including coordination under NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), FAA Orders 1050.1F and 5050.4B, and CEQ regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508). Notes regulatory changes including -
Part 150 for Dummies
Read this, including the recent update, and then attend the upcoming Port of Seattle Part 150 workshops. -
2025-09-24Final Environmental Assessment for the Sustainable Airport Master Plan Near-Term Projects: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
★ 33The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) in September 2025 for near-term construction and development projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, prepared on behalf of the Port of Seattle. The Final EA was updated from an earlier Draft EA to reflect public and agency comments, correct errors, and remove sections on climate change, environmental justice, and cumulative impacts following changes to federal executive orders, regulations, and a 2025 Supreme Court ruling. These regulatory shifts meant the FAA was no longer required to analyze how the proposed projects might affect vulnerable communities or contribute to broader environmental trends. -
Airport vs. FAA Parking Revenue Comparison Table, 2012–2013
A data table comparing Airport-reported and FAA-reported figures (likely parking or landing fees in dollars) for approximately 30 major U.S. airports in 2012 and 2013, including SEA (Seattle-Tacoma), with differences noted. SEA shows figures of $13.17 (Airport) and $13.23 (FAA) in 2012 with a -$0.06 difference, and $11.88 for both in 2013 with no difference. -
2025-09-12Acoustical Testing Results for SIRRPP — September 2025
In August 2025, acoustical engineering firm HMMH measured indoor noise levels at 31 homes near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to assess eligibility for the airport's Sound Insulation Repair and Replacement Program. Testing found that only one of the 31 homes met the FAA's minimum threshold of 45 decibels interior Day-Night Average Sound Level required to qualify for full sound insulation treatment, while seven additional homes had at least one room exceeding that level. The study used FAA-approved methods, including a Boeing 737-800 aircraft noise spectrum, to calculate how much airport noise penetrates each habitable room with windows closed.