b'70 FFZRUNWAYSWe do want to finish construction of the Anzio Ramp in theA Time of Transition2026-2027 grant cycle, so we will be putting in for anotherNystrom shares that FFZ has clearly been changing for the ADOT grant to complete the project in the near term, sayslast four to five years, evolving from a small recreational airfield Cordiak. with flight training and a few businesses to one of the busiest As the airport plans more capital improvement projects, itgeneral aviation airports in the United States. In doing so, it is will increase estimates provided to grant agencies to avoidattracting the attention of private developers who see FFZ as a more surprises about high bids. We want to make sure wegem that needs to be polished with a few additional amenities. anticipate projects prices increasing at the right rate, saysInvestments are already being made to build larger hangars Nystrom. that can accommodate aircraft such as Gulfstream Vs, Nystrom She emphasizes that FFZ is financially self-sustaining andreports. does not receive money from the citys General Fund. WeAs we turn the corner, it is absolutely essential that we have to run the airport like a businessand bank enoughhave really good infrastructure in place in terms of the facility funds to pay for operating expenses and our portion of theseand offering amenities [corporate users] are accustomed to, capital improvement projects.says Nystrom. The airport is also working to assure owners The airport has more than 400 city-owned hangars andof large aircraft that FFZs runways and taxiways are safe for several hundred tie-down positions that generate revenue tothem. supplement 60 ground leases, fuel flowage fees and otherThe trio of airfield improvements made last year is one large airfield user charges.step in making it around that corner. New Driver Training Program Given its increasing traffic and recent airfield layout changes, FalconInitial setup for the software and training Field Airport (FFZ) implemented a new training curriculum for airsidemodules cost $8,989. Moving forward, the drivers. The online program is tailored to FFZ personnel, tenant staff,airport will pay $4,500 per year for continuing contractors, city employees and recurrent airport users.content updates and use. The noise mitigation The Arizona airports previous training program wasnt gearedvideo produced by Malibu West cost an specifically for general aviation operations; and it was difficultadditional one-time fee of $7,850.for FFZs small staff to track and train everyone with AirportLorena de Rodriguez, vice president Operations Area (AOA) access cards.of Development and Delivery for AirTera,LORENA DE RODRIGUEZTo address these shortcomings, Airport Director Corinne Nystrom,commends FFZ for going above and beyond what government A.A.E, asked; AirTera (formerly SSi Inc.) to develop a trainingregulations require for driver training at general aviation airports.program aligned with Part 139 safety standards. The company hadNystrom appreciates that the program can be administered and an existing library of general aviation training material modified frommonitored by just a few employees. In addition, the new system commercial airport best practices. AirTera deployed the trainingallowed FFZ to perform an audit of who has airfield access cards, site and courses, and then helped FFZ further tailor modules towhich led to the discovery of tenants subletting city hangars, its specific needs using a tool in its interactive learning system.Awhich is not allowed at FFZ. Although that was not the primary separate video produced by media company Malibu West to helpintent of the driver training program, it was a address community concerns regarding airport noise as airfield trafficvaluable side benefit. increases was added to the AirTera content.Joseph Gaudio Jr., C.M., ACE, director of In total, about 2,000 drivers will undergo the online program,Client Services for AirTera, says many general which takes one to two hours to complete. All airport employeesaviation airports lack personnel to effectively finished the new training by April 30, 2025. All tenants aretrack airfield access, and the creative solution expected to complete their training by February 2026. Then, thedesigned by FFZ management can be a airport will be able to continuously monitor and maintain AOAtemplate for other small airports.JOSEPH GAUDIO JR.access cardholders by verifying training completion. A mandatoryThe original incentive to develop a new driver training program is annual recurrent training program is in the works to help those withwhats most important for Nystrom. Ultimately, safety on the airfield driving privileges maintain profficiency. is everybodys No. 1 priority, she concludes. July | August 2025AirportImprovement.com'