In 2018, an average of 1,400 daily aircraft arrivals and departures occurred at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The efficiency of Airside Operations was key in the proper functioning of the airport and the safety and security of each flight, which tallied nearly 500,000 flight operations for the year.

 “Yes, efficiency is definitely key for us,” said Chip Dale, Division Manager, IAH Operations Airside. Dale, who has served as Division Manager since 2012, recently discussed Airside Operations, a function clearly crucial to the success of IAH and Houston Airports.

Dale said that, in simplest terms, Airside Operations ensures that airfield activities and infrastructure are in full compliance with all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations. Airside coordinates activities between IAH and its partner airlines as well as other airport stakeholders during routine operations and especially during emergencies. Airside Ops oversees both the Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) and Aircraft Operating Area (AOA).

Airside Operations supervisory staff and coordinators are responsible for daily/periodic FAA Part 139 Self Inspections, including runway, taxiway, and ramp inspections three times each day. Additionally, each day airspace obstruction and security-related public protection airfield inspections are completed. Annually, nearly 5,500 documented inspections are accomplished at IAH.

Physical areas of responsibility for Airside Operations include:

• 43 miles of pavement
• 51 miles of markings
• 18,000 airfield signs and lights
• Over 58 miles of ditches
• More than 12,000 acres of IAH property

The group also assists maintenance and contractors with access to pavement areas for maintenance and construction-related activities. They then ensure that completed maintenance follows FAA Part 139 requirements. Airside acts as Incident Manager for airfield emergencies and irregular weather operations.  They closely coordinate and interact with the Houston Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services, the Houston Police Department, and related Federal first-responder agencies as needed.

Steve Hennigan, Assistant General Manager, Houston Airports, said, “Maintaining continuous compliance requires a great deal of planning and teamwork, and the vigilance and precision of Airside Operations is invaluable to our success and future growth.”

Airside Operations personnel include 16 Airport Operations Coordinators, nine Airport Operations Supervisors, one Staff Analyst, and one Division Manager. In addition to their college degrees, many also have prior flying, military, and/or airport management experience. Many Airside team members hold Pilot certificates, including several Certified Flight Instructors and former military Air Traffic Controllers.

Their work also encompasses safety compliance with federal, state and local ordinances, along with wildlife monitoring, cargo management, and construction management.

Dale recalled many occasions that helped define the immense value of Airside, and their emphasis on efficiency. One major event stood out – Hurricane Harvey. During the storm, more than 800 daily Houston-area flights were canceled, including 704 at IAH and 123 at William P. Hobby Airport.

Post Hurricane Harvey, IAH closed for the first time in its history. The Airside Operations Team worked together with other HAS sections and airport stakeholders to reopen the airport only four days later for regular commercial traffic. IAH also served as a base for military and civilian humanitarian relief efforts during and after Hurricane Harvey.

He said that Airside felt honored to be a part of the recovery in the aftermath of the mega-storm.

Houston is the international passenger and cargo gateway to the south central United States and a primary gateway to Latin America. The safe arrival and departure of aircraft is of paramount importance to every IAH employee. Kudos to the dedicated men and women of Airside Operations for assisting in that process in today’s often-challenging airport environment.