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It may only be February, but Paine Field is already starting on airfield improvement projects. Staff will be focused on three primary projects on the airfield in 2023: the design for the rehabilitation of the East General Aviation Apron, correction of the Taxiway AA hotspot, and reconstruction of the Inner Terminal Ramp.
Design for the Rehabilitation of the East General Aviation Apron
The East General Aviation Apron asphalt will be milled and a new asphalt overlay will be applied in 2024. This pavement was constructed in 1986 and has not been repaved since. The project is currently under design. Contractors were on site on Feb. 13 to take coring samples (see photo above).
Taxiway AA and Runway Guard Lighting
Contractors will correct a "hot spot" issue at the north end of the main runway. The project entails revising lighting and markings to close the direct Taxiway A / Taxiway AA connection and allow the runway hold positions to be moved to a more standard location. Runway guard lights will also be installed on connector taxiways A1, A7, A9, AA, and K1 as part of the project. The project is currently out to bid and construction is anticipated to begin in early spring. To limit impacts to our users, work will be done at night. The work will require multiple nighttime closures of the main runway (midnight to 6 a.m.).
Inner Terminal Ramp (Terminal Apron)
Paine Field will convert the central portion of the terminal apron to concrete to accommodate larger and more frequent passenger aircraft traffic as the airport grows. The project was permitted in 2021 and was originally anticipated to be constructed in 2022. The project is currently out to bid for construction in 2023. Work is expected to begin in June and conclude in October. The project is funded by passenger facility charges (PFCs).
A security reminder for all tenants at Paine Field:
If you are a tenant with both airside and landside access through your hangar, it is your responsibility to monitor any open doors and challenge anyone attempting to access the airfield. If the individual does not have the proper credentials, please keep an eye on the individual and immediately contact Airport Operations at 425-388-5125 so the incident can be investigated.
Paine Field is responsible for ensuring only those properly badged individuals enter the Air Operations Area (AOA). Each airport operator must carry out measures for controlling entry to the AOA to prevent and detect the unauthorized entry, presence, and movement of individuals and ground vehicles into or within the AOA. A wrong decision can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, delay critical airport construction projects, or even result in delayed or canceled flights.
Thank you to all of our tenants for doing your part in keeping Paine Field safe and secure for all.
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 The Paine Field Master Plan final draft is almost ready for your input!
Thank you to our community members, tenants, and users for sharing your feedback with the Paine Field Master Plan project team over the last two years. Your comments helped us to create a new vision for Paine Field.
We’d like to hear what you think of the final draft of our long-range plan. It identifies facilities gaps and how we’ll meet those as demand grows. We also evaluated financial considerations as the airport vision becomes reality. Please visit our online open house where you can read about the master plan and leave comments or questions. The online open house will be live from March 3 to April 3.
We will also host a live webinar on Wednesday, March 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. The webinar will include the same information as the online open house along with an opportunity to share comments and ask questions of the project team. Register below:
Wednesday, March 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. See you there!
 Paine Field Water Rescue Team train in the Skykomish River on Jan. 22, 2023
Paine Field Fire is responsible for responding to any aircraft incident on-airport or within a five-mile radius of the airfield. The department is developing a specialized water rescue program that will enable our department to respond to any aircraft incidents involving bodies of water within our response area. This could involve rescues in the wetlands on or near the airport as well as rescues in nearby lakes, rivers, or Puget Sound.
Paine Field’s water rescue team, consisting of eight members, participated in Swiftwater Rescue Training on the north fork of the Skykomish River in Index in January and February. For the January training, water temperature was 38° F, ambient air temp was 28° F, and the river level was 3,000 CFS.
Team members are approximately two-thirds of the way through their training to earn their Water Rescue Technician Certification.
Don't forget: Winter weather operation information available
 Snow removal equipment clears the main runway on Feb. 14, 2023
Snow has required us to implement our winter weather operations plan three times since November. If snow and ice return again this winter, our Operations and Maintenance teams will be focused on keeping the main runway, essential taxiways, and primary landside access routes open before addressing lesser used taxiways, taxilanes, and roadways. Our teams actively monitor weather conditions and move to our 12-hour schedules when inclement weather is forecast. More information on our winter operations is available on our website.
Please check with your airline for your flight's status if inclement weather strikes and you have planned to travel through the Paine Field Passenger Terminal operated by Propeller Airports. Remember to give yourself extra time on the roadways as you make your way to the terminal and please give plows and sanding trucks room to operate.
Maintenance Technician Lead Rod Anderson receives Turtle Award
Congratulations to Maintenance Technician lead Rod Anderson on his recent recognition by the County Executive for the key part he plays on Airport Maintenance team. Named the Turtle Award, the award is designed to recognize County employees that stick their necks out for the good of the County and its citizens.
Rod has continued to push forward and adapt as the wave of change hit Paine Field. He is always willing to tackle difficult projects head on with a hands-on approach. Rod’s willingness to learn new processes and adapt during Paine Field’s transition to a Part 139 Commercial airport, combined with his willingness to assist and train others has made him a key piece in the building of a successful Maintenance team.
Rod has been with Paine Field since 2000 when he started as a Seasonal employee and has progressed to the Maintenance Technician Lead, a position he has held for around 15 years. He has never lost sight of the goal, continues to lead by example every day, is always working to make Paine Field Maintenance the best it can be, and committed to keeping Paine Field the Airport of Choice.
Thank you for your hard work, Rod, and congratulations on your well-deserved award.
 Maintenance Technician Lead Rod Anderson readies the sweeper for a pass on the airfield.
Brad Widrig promoted to Airport Operations and Security Division Manager
Paine Field has promoted Brad Widrig to Airport Operations and Security Division Manager. This position was formerly titled Airport Operations Superintendent. Brad has been with our team for 15 years. He started his role with the airport working in the Maintenance division. After an internal internship with Airport Operations, Brad joined the team and has steadily worked his way up to Supervisor II. Brad has a great deal of understanding across many lines of business at the airport and is a valuable asset to our team.
Congratulations, Brad!
Paine Field staff will be at the 39th Annual Northwest Aviation Conference and Trade Show on Feb. 25 and 26 in Puyallup. If you plan on attending, stop by to see us at Booth 227.
 The last Boeing 747 off the line makes a low pass over the airfield on Feb. 1. Paine Field is to have supported you for more than 54 years. We look forward to welcoming the fourth Boeing 737 MAX line mid-year 2024.
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