This unique and complimentary program assists SUN air travelers with getting to their destination during those times when inclement winter weather affects flight operations at SUN. This is a much better alternative to having a flight cancelled or delayed, which would happen at most any other airport. We are proud to make an extraordinary effort to take care of our SUN passengers, and we know they appreciate it.
Get program details HERE. Be informed and prepared!
There are also exciting new developments in the works to improve reliability of all the airline flights to/from SUN. Check out the update from the SUN airport manager HERE
THANK YOU REALTORS FOR AIR!
"I have been a long time member of the Sun Valley Board of Realtors. I am very proud that we have taken a leadership position in supporting air service into the Sun Valley area through our Realtors for Air program. This is not only providing new business for our industry and other business interests in the valley, but a renewed vibrancy to our community as a whole. I have seen many changes throughout Blaine County over the last several decades, but the recently added nonstop flights to multiple destinations has been among the most important. The Sun Valley Board of Realtors salutes Fly Sun Valley Alliance and offers our continued support!"
Jed Gray, Vice-President, Sun Valley Board of Realtors
*100% of the Sun Valley Board of Realtors 350+ members/businesses are supporting air service at SUN through the innovative Realtors for Air Program.
SUN AIRPORT NEWS
DOES SUN PRIORITIZE FLIGHT ACCESS? THE ANSWER IS NO.
From Chris Pomeroy, SUN Airport Manager
"During the busy holiday periods in our community, and at the airport, this question comes up from passengers whose commercial flights may have been delayed due to the increased volume of air traffic that our airport experiences during this time period.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has jurisdiction and manages all of the National Airspace System (NAS) and Air Traffic Control (ATC) functions in the United States. Also per federal law, our airport is a public use airport open to all users in the NAS, including the private jet fleet. The Friedman Memorial Airport Authority and staff manage and operate the physical facilities of the airport including the runway, taxiway, parking aprons, commercial terminal building, and vehicle parking lots.
The ATC system as operated by the FAA is based on a first come/first serve basis. Neither private aircraft nor commercial aircraft get priority. The first aircraft(s) to arrive in SUN airspace get clearance to land first. Similar with departures. More broad, during peak demand times, FAA (both regional and Command Center level) assesses the hourly capacity of an airport based on known weather and then looks at the requested arrival times made by all operators. FAA then builds a schedule that equitably distributes delay based on the first come/first served system. Based on our constrained mountainous environment, one runway, predominant one way in, one way out air traffic operations, our capacity is diminished compared to a "normal airport" flow.
Both the commercial activity and general aviation activity (including private jets) are important customers to the airport and significant contributors to the local economy and the private aircraft have just as much right to the airport and airspace. It's just at certain times, there are way more of them in the airspace vs commercial airliners. The perception is they are getting priority - but even the private jets are being impacted by holds and delays. With as much air traffic we have had over this past holiday crunch, combined with unpredictable weather, airspace holds and delays were unavoidable at times.
For those impacted, the situation was no doubt frustrating, but your understanding is appreciated. Myself and the Board will continue to work with the FAA to encourage additional optimization of the airspace during peak times."
TSA PreCheck Update GOOD NEWS!
TSA Pre✓® Screening Continues to Improve at SUN
For TSA Pre✓® eligible travelers, your TSA Pre✓® privileges have gotten more streamlined at SUN! Effectively immediately, TSA now offers "blended" TSA Pre✓® screening to eligible travelers. This means TSA Pre✓® eligible travelers will no longer have to wait for designated TSA Pre✓® screening times - you can jump in the designated TSA Pre✓® line and you will be processed through the security checkpoint when you arrive (remember, it is recommended you arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to your departure time...)
Thank you to our TSA team for working diligently to improve the passenger experience at SUN.
FLYING WITH A REAL ID - DEADLINE IS OCT 2020 TO GET YOURS
Beginning October 1, 2020, every air traveler, 18 years of age and older, will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another
acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
Check for the star.
REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. If you're not sure, contact your state driver's license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card.
For info by state, including where to obtain a REAL ID, visit the
DHS REAL ID website and click your state on the map. For Idaho residents the link is
HERE
AIRPORT PARKING PATIENCE AT SUN
'Tis the season for busy parking lots! With the growth we are experiencing at the airport, our parking lot often fills up during peak demand times (holidays, spring break, and big ski weekends). We are working closely with our parking lot management company, The Car Park, to address this issue by developing procedures to accommodate as many cars as possible, but
during crunch times, we encourage you to get a ride to the airport if you can. Parking lot status will be updated as necessary on our website and Facebook page. If you encounter a full parking lot when you arrive at the airport, look for a representative from The Car Park in the lot and they will work to assist you. As a reminder, PLEASE DO NOT park your vehicle in fire lanes or pedestrian crosswalks, or your car may be ticketed or towed. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience!
FMAA MEETING NOTICE
The next meeting of the Friedman Memorial Airport Authority:
Tuesday, February 4, 5:30pm Old Blaine County Courthouse, Hailey
FMAA board meeting agendas and packets available HERE
'Tis the season for busy parking lots! With the growth we are experiencing at the airport, our parking lot often fills up during peak demand times (holidays, spring break, and big ski weekends). We are working closely with our parking lot management company, The Car Park, to address this issue by developing procedures to accommodate as many cars as possible, but
FLY SUN VALLEY ALLIANCE