Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA) in Broomfield, Colorado, has recorded the highest number of safety incidents among all airports nationwide. This information comes from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) memo issued in June. The document highlights a category known as "Potentially Significant Events" (PSEs), which includes both runway incidents and airborne safety concerns. This finding emerged weeks after a fatal plane crash in May involving an aircraft that departed from RMMA.
Key Takeaways
- Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport leads the nation in "Potentially Significant Events."
- The FAA memo detailing these incidents was released in June.
- RMMA is the fourth busiest airport in Colorado, but records more PSEs than Denver International Airport.
- Increased airport use and changing flight operations are factors.
- The FAA and RMMA are implementing new procedures and forming a working group to address safety concerns.
National Ranking in Safety Incidents
The FAA memo, obtained by the Town of Superior through a Freedom of Information Act request, identifies RMMA as having the most PSEs in the country. These events encompass a wide range of safety issues. They include incidents that occur on the ground, such as runway incursions, and those that happen in the air, like unexpected equipment failures or pilot errors.
The release of this memo followed a serious incident in May. A plane that took off from RMMA crashed fatally after the pilot reported a door had opened shortly after departure. This event underscored the importance of airport safety protocols and operational oversight.
Airport Activity
- RMMA is Colorado's fourth busiest airport.
- It handles a takeoff or landing approximately every three minutes on average.
- Despite being less busy, RMMA has more PSEs than Denver International Airport (DIA), which is the sixth busiest globally.
Details on Potentially Significant Events
Neither the FAA nor Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport has publicly disclosed the exact number of PSEs that have occurred. This lack of specific data makes it challenging for the public to fully understand the scale of the issue. However, the FAA's internal memo clearly states RMMA's leading position in this safety category.
The term "Potentially Significant Event" is broad. It covers various situations that could compromise flight safety. These might range from minor operational errors to more severe incidents requiring immediate intervention. The FAA uses this classification to track and analyze trends in air traffic safety.
An FAA spokesperson stated, "We have adjusted our operating procedures at RMMA to enhance air traffic safety and efficiency." This indicates active measures are being taken to improve conditions.
Growing Airport Use and Operational Changes
The FAA acknowledges that the increased use of RMMA is a significant factor contributing to changes in flight paths and overall operations. In 2022, the airport's website reported a takeoff or landing every three minutes on average. This high volume of activity naturally increases the potential for incidents if not managed carefully.
RMMA operates as a public-use airport. This means pilots and planes do not need prior approval to land or take off. There are no restricted access requirements. This open access, combined with rising traffic, presents unique challenges for air traffic control and airport management.
About RMMA
Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport is owned and operated by Jefferson County. It spans approximately 1,000 acres and features three runways. Its primary users include governmental research, aerial firefighting services, charter flights, corporate flight departments, aircraft maintenance facilities, and flight training schools, in addition to private aircraft owners.
Airport and FAA Responses to Concerns
In response to inquiries, RMMA emphasized that routing decisions are primarily the responsibility of the FAA. An airport spokesperson noted, "The FAA periodically updates internal procedures to enhance safety and efficiency in the airspace. These internal communications are between FAA staff and FAA air traffic controllers. They do not originate from RMMA and were not developed by airport staff."
Flight plans at RMMA are directed by the FAA's air traffic control tower. The tower follows standardized traffic patterns and selects runways based on wind conditions. Jefferson County's website also clarifies that the FAA does not set capacity limits for public airports like RMMA. This structure places considerable responsibility on the FAA for air traffic management.
New Measures and Future Plans
The FAA memo concludes with plans for a working group. This group was scheduled to begin meeting at the end of June to address the issues raised. Additionally, the FAA intends to encourage flight schools operating at RMMA to collaborate on developing different traffic patterns. This initiative aims to reduce congestion and improve safety during training flights.
RMMA has also reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and community engagement. "While we do not have authority over air traffic routing decisions, we continue to share community concerns with the FAA and provide updates when information becomes available," RMMA stated. This shows a commitment to acting as a liaison between the community and the federal aviation authority.
- FAA Initiatives: Formed a working group, encouraged flight school collaboration on traffic patterns.
- RMMA Stance: Committed to transparency, shares community concerns with FAA, provides updates.
These actions highlight an ongoing effort to mitigate safety risks and improve operational efficiency at an airport experiencing significant growth. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of all air traffic in the region.
