June Plane Talk

King County International Airport is using a new set of Visual Flight Rule (VFR) departure and arrival procedures. Some routes were removed completely and some were revised or re-named. These procedure changes were implemented by FAA staff to both increase local airspace safety and reflect pilot feedback.

The new procedures can be located on the back of the Seattle TAC Chart as well as the airport's website, listed on the "Pilot Information" Page.

Official FAA Seattle Terminal Area Chart (TAC) with the VFR routes on the backside (3rd page): aeronav.faa.gov/visual/05-14-2026/PDFs/Seattle_TAC.pdf

King County VFR Routes Map: bfi-vfr-routes-final-20260513.pdf

If you have any questions, please call Airport Operations at 206-296-7334 or email us at airportops@kingcounty.gov

King County International Airport’s Vanessa Chin, Innovation Manager; Dave Decoteau, Deputy Director and Sean Moran, Airport Operations Manager, were recently appointed to national leadership positions within the American Association of Airport Executives. Chin is one of two Vice Chairs of the Inclusion in Aviation Committee, Decoteau is one of three Vice Chairs of the General Aviation Committee and Moran is one of three Vice Chairs of the Training Committee. The appointments were made early last month for one-year terms.

Vanessa Chin

Inclusion in Aviation Committee Vice Chair

The Inclusion in Aviation Committee’s mission is to “further the advancement of all underrepresented communities throughout the aviation sector, with a focus on education and advocacy in airport management and supporting industries.”

“I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve at the national level with the AAAE Inclusion in Aviation Committee and be able to add value and impact by shaping how people experience connection and belonging in the aviation industry,” Chin said.  

Chin has been co-chair of the Northwest chapter’s AAAE Inclusion in Aviation Committee since 2023.

“I’m looking forward to contributing to a future where inclusion is one of the foundations of the experience at airports internally and externally.” Chin added. 

Sean Moran

Training Committee Vice Chair

The mission of the AAAE Training Committee is to “advise the AAAE Board and staff about … relevant airport training activities of AAAE including on-site airport training programs, curriculum development, and computer-based training programs and to seek and connect airports nationwide with training solutions and opportunities.”

Moran explained that airports are constantly evolving, presenting a need for airport staff to keep learning.

“Serving on this committee allows me to stay up to date with emerging trends and serve the broader industry,” Moran said. “The committee works to make sure training is relevant and will help airport employees meet the evolving demands of the industry.”

Congratulations to Tanvi Bathe, a high school intern at King County International Airport, who will be headed to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, later this month.

Bathe has a busy and exciting month ahead of her. Within a ten-day period, she will graduate from Redmond High School, complete her internship, and take final exams at Bellevue College. She has been attending Bellevue College through the Running Start program and already has two years of college under her belt. Just two days after completing her finals, she leaves for West Point.

“Reception Day,” where cadets learn basic marching and leave civilian life behind, is June 29. The day concludes with a military parade and short goodbyes to family members.

“It’s six weeks of basic cadet training and then I'll start school in mid-August,” said Bathe.

She is considering majoring in either civil or mechanical engineering and credits her internship with helping her solidify her interest in engineering.

“It’s been such an amazing experience for me,” Bathe said. “I think every intern at the airport can attest to that. The airport is super committed to exposing every intern to all kinds of fields.”

“It’s given me a purpose, too, knowing that the work I’ve done is being used,” Bathe added. “That feels good.”

Bathe will attend West Point for four years, taking advanced classes due to her previous college experience. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science degree and become officers.

“Tanvi has been an innovator on our team who brought dedication and positive energy to each of her assignments and projects,” said Vanessa Chin, Innovation Manager. “She elevated our work. I wish her every success in her very bright future ahead.” 

Read an earlier article about Bathe.

Matt Sykora, KCIA Business Manager and Vice President of the WAMA Board of Directors, also played a key role at the conference, leading a detailed discussion on a complex infrastructure project currently underway at Spokane International Airport. His session focused on the airport’s use of an alternative delivery method, a topic that drew significant interest from airport managers seeking to improve project efficiency and reduce risk. The panel shared lessons learned, emphasized the importance of early stakeholder coordination, and outlined how alternative delivery is shaping major capital programs across the region.

“Matt and Nadja’s participation in the WAMA conference is just another example of King County leading the way,” said John Parrott, KCIA director.

Together, their contributions helped support meaningful dialogue among Washington’s aviation leaders and showcased the organization’s commitment to advancing airport management practices statewide.

King County International Airport (KCIA) continues its work on the Vision 2045 Airport Plan, which looks at how the airport can continue to operate safely and efficiently while meeting changing aviation needs. The plan identifies potential projects and improvements needed to support future demand and reflects feedback received from interested and affected parties who have participated in Vision 2045.

At an open house last month, more than 60 attendees learned about the preferred alternative for how KCIA can adapt and evolve to meet future aviation demand. The public is welcome to submit comments on the preferred alternatives on the project website.

Next Steps for Vision 2045: the team is completing additional environmental analysis, a Capital Improvement Plan, and an Airport Layout Plan for the projects included in Vision 2045. Once the environmental review is complete, the airport will host another public meeting before submitting the plan to the King County Council and the Federal Aviation Administration for consideration and approval.

Next steps for the Part 150 Noise Compatibility Plan: The Part 150 Study will help the airport develop noise exposure maps and evaluate noise compatibility programs. The team has submitted the report to the FAA for their review along with all comments received on the draft report. FAA now has 180 days to review and make a decision on the draft report.