VIPA Resolves FAA Compliance Ruling, Starts Comprehensive Runway Rehabilitation

The VI Port Authority recently settled with the Federal Aviation Authority, approving a compliance order resulting from a 2019 inspection. The fine totaled $477,000, according to VIPA board member Celestino White.

“There were items regarding the general condition of some of the sidewalks, particularly the Alpha West taxiway,” Preston Beyer, VIPA’s director of engineering, told board members at Monday’s meeting.

But since the 2019 inspection, “we have completed the entire project to replace the taxiway,” Mr. Beyer said. VIPA also corrected findings regarding airport markings and successfully petitioned to remove a finding regarding VIPA’s Notices for Air Duties. “Notifications sent to all airlines to alert them to non-standard conditions,” Mr. Beyer explained.

The FAA emphasized that none of its findings reflect the belief that “the airport is unsafe.”

VIPA Regional Airport Manager Jerome Sheridan also answered questions about the need to occasionally close Cyril E. King Airport due to asphalt problems on the runway. “We do not take these jobs lightly,” Mr. Sheridan said, adding that these events were well-coordinated with the airlines and VIPA ensured that relevant information was provided to all stakeholders.

Reminding board members that “this is a problem experienced at every airport across the country,” Beyer explained that other facilities have more than one runway and can direct flights from one to another when necessary. He noted that grant funding came from the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program and that a request for proposals for a runway rehabilitation project was issued in July.