San José Airport Passes Annual
FAA Safety Inspection with High Scores
Federal review ensures airport safety and emergency response procedures

San José, CA --- For the fifth consecutive year Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) has achieved a nearly perfect passing score from the Federal Aviation Administration on its annual airport certification and safety inspection.

Every year the FAA reviews all commercial airports to ensure they meet federal standards for safety as part of the process for the annual renewal of an airport’s license to operate. The inspection looks at operations, maintenance and facilities, including airfield conditions, personnel qualifications and training, and fire fighting and rescue operations.

“At the same time we’re building a beautiful new and functionally efficient airport for Silicon Valley, we’ve also been operating in the middle of an active construction zone for the past three years,” said Bill Sherry, SJC director of aviation. “This has presented many unusual challenges, and I’m very proud that our team has achieved top safety scores every year.”

During its recent inspection in San José, FAA found SJC in compliance with all essential federal rules and regulations with the exception of a single taxiway sign that needs to be updated.

“Maintaining the safety and security of our airport, passengers, employees, and customers is our highest priority,” said Sherry. “Our staff is absolutely committed to making sure our airport is safe and that we continue to meet all federal safety standards.”

FAA annual certification is contingent upon the results of its inspection that includes a physical check of the airport’s airfield, a review of records and documentation, and at least one surprise simulated emergency response drill.

The rigorous safety review was conducted over a three-day period and covered:

• Runway and taxiway safety
• The airport’s Emergency Plan
• San José Fire Department response times in a simulated emergency
• Training of airport personnel
• Vehicle movements in areas used by aircraft
• Aircraft fuel truck safety
• Wildlife control procedures

About Mineta San José International Airport
Mineta San José International Airport is a self-supporting enterprise owned and operated by the City of San José. SJC served 8.3 million passengers in 2009. SJC has approximately 130 flights a day on 13 domestic and international carriers to 27 nonstop destinations. Mineta San José International Airport is located in San José, California’s third largest city and the nation’s tenth largest city (population 1,007,000). For more Airport information, visit www.flysanjose.com.

-SJC-

1732 N. First Street, Suite 600, San José, CA 95112-4538 24 Hour Media Line: 408.501.7700