Why FAA Part 139 matters
Safety is the foundation of every airport operation. To protect passengers, crew, and responders, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established Part 139 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, a set of standards that govern the certification and operation of airports serving commercial air traffic.
Part 139 covers a wide range of requirements, from runway maintenance and firefighting readiness to communication and alerting procedures. For Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) teams, these rules define the speed and coordination necessary to handle an aircraft emergency effectively.
Every airport holding a Part 139 certificate must demonstrate that it can rapidly alert all responding agencies, provide clear instructions, and maintain documentation of each event. This makes alerting technology one of the most critical compliance areas for modern airports.
What the regulation requires for communication and alerting
FAA Part 139.319 specifies that each certificated airport must maintain an effective communication system capable of alerting all emergency response personnel immediately when an aircraft incident or accident occurs.
This includes:
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Instant notification to ARFF crews, operations staff, and supporting agencies
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Direct communication links between the air traffic control tower, airport operations, and ARFF stations
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Redundant systems to ensure functionality during power loss or equipment failure
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Recordkeeping for all calls and response times to verify compliance
The intent is to eliminate communication delays that could endanger lives or compromise incident response. Compliance is not just about having a system in place, it’s about ensuring that system performs flawlessly when it matters most.
The challenge of outdated systems
Many airports still rely on legacy “crash phone” systems, which depend on manual dialing, relay calls, or analog wiring. These systems introduce critical points of failure: a missed call, static interference, or a delay in relaying information.
In today’s aviation environment, where response expectations are measured in seconds, this approach is no longer sufficient. Outdated systems can make compliance difficult, create inconsistencies in reporting, and fail to provide the redundancy required under Part 139.
To remain certified and fully compliant, airports need digital, automated systems that integrate every step of the notification process.
How modern alerting systems ensure compliance
Modern aircraft emergency alerting systems (AES) automate every phase of communication, meeting and exceeding FAA Part 139 requirements.
When an emergency is declared, the system automatically delivers synchronized voice announcements, tones, and data messages to ARFF stations, airport operations, and command centers. Every connection is redundant, ensuring the message is received instantly and without error.
The system records every event, from the moment the call is initiated to the time the response is complete, providing a clear digital audit trail for FAA inspections and post-incident analysis.
With automated alerting, airports gain not only compliance but confidence. Each response is consistent, verifiable, and supported by data.
Real-world benefits beyond certification
Meeting FAA Part 139 standards is only the beginning. Automated airport alerting also improves response coordination, reduces miscommunication, and helps responders focus on performance rather than procedure.
By linking dispatch, operations, and ARFF through one network, airports create a unified safety environment that supports faster turnout, greater accuracy, and more effective resource management.
These systems also integrate seamlessly with dispatch alerting and airfield communication tools, providing a single source of truth across every part of the response chain.
The result is a safer, more efficient, and fully auditable system that supports long-term readiness, not just regulatory compliance.
Preparing your airport for compliance and readiness
FAA regulations will continue to evolve as technology and safety standards advance. Airports that modernize their alerting infrastructure now are better positioned to adapt, pass inspections, and maintain operational excellence.
By investing in automated systems that provide instant alerts, integrated communication, and complete documentation, airport leaders strengthen both compliance and confidence in their emergency response operations.
Explore Westnet’s aircraft emergency alerting systems or contact our team to learn how your airport can meet FAA Part 139 requirements while improving coordination and ARFF performance.
