Mesa’s historic Falcon Field Airport has launched a program designed to minimize the potential for accidents between passenger vehicles on the tarmacs and airplanes traveling on the taxiways.
Despite how it might look if you’ve ever been over to watch planes taking off and landing from one of two observation areas just below the tower, and notice the fuel trucks, support vehicles, and passenger cars buzzing around, know that there is some rhyme and reason to what vehicles are allowed on the airfield, who can be driving them, where they can travel, and when. The airport is ramping up the guidelines still further.
Falcon Field’s new Airfield Driver Training Program will teach 2,000 tenants, contractors, sub-tenants, and other employees the critical skills necessary to keep the airport operating safely and efficiently.
“This program represents our dedication to continuous improvement and our responsibility to the community we serve. It underscores our commitment to foster a safe and secure environment for all airport users,” said Airport Director Corinne Nystrom.
Corinne added Falcon Field is voluntarily taking advantage of the program, which was designed by the Federal Aviation Administration. The program is designed to ensure people driving on the airfield help the driver to see and hear what is happening when airplanes are taxiing, taking off, and landing on one of the airports two runways.
“By proactively addressing potential risks like runway incursions, this program helps ensure that everyone accessing the airfield is well-prepared to operate safely and efficiently,” Airport Projects and Operations Manager Mark Gibbs said. “It’s a vital step in preserving Falcon Field Airport’s reputation for excellence and safety, while reinforcing our dedication to the operational integrity of the airfield.”
Access credentials are only granted to people with a legitimate need to be on the airfield. Falcon Field employees will be the first group of drivers to take the course.
They will learn the importance of paying attention to signage on the airfield, knowing where helicopter landing and takeoff areas are, runway edges and centerline markings, and what to do if the standard airfield lights fail, among a host of other critical things, according to the FAA’s Guide to Ground Vehicle Operations.
Airfield drivers are required to take the course annually. The Airfield Driver Training Program fits with Falcon Field’s larger, community-oriented Fly Friendly voluntary noise abatement initiative.
In addition to promoting safety, the driver safety and education program seeks to ease noise-related concerns for surrounding communities and foster a stronger, positive connection between the aviation community and local area citizens.
For more information, visit falconfieldairport.com.