Springfield, Illinois — Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI) has received an excellent rating following its annual Airport Certification and Safety Inspection conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The inspection confirmed that the Springfield Airport Authority, owner and operator of SPI, is in full compliance with all applicable FAA regulations.
An Airport Certification and Safety Inspector from the FAA’s Great Lakes Airports Division conducted the required Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 139 Certification and Safety Inspection. As part of the comprehensive review, the FAA audited a wide range of operational, safety, and compliance documentation, including the Airport Certification Manual; personnel and aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) training records; mobile fueling equipment inspection reports and fueling agent certifications; Airport Emergency Plan reviews and full-scale disaster exercise records; airfield daily self-inspection logs; ground vehicle operator training and driver records; the Wildlife Management Plan; Airport Master Record updates; and Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) records.
In addition, inspectors evaluated bulk fuel storage facilities, airfield infrastructure conditions, and airfield lighting and signage. An emergency response drill was also conducted to verify the airport’s ability to deploy emergency and rescue assets quickly and effectively in accordance with FAA requirements.
“A well-deserved congratulations is due to the dedicated team of airport employees and the Board of Commissioners for this significant accomplishment,” said Mark Hanna, Executive Director of Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. “We also acknowledge the strong professional partnerships the airport maintains with the local Transportation Security Administration team, Springfield’s FAA Air Traffic Control Tower personnel and local mutual aid first responders. Their ongoing collaboration is essential to operating and maintaining a safe and efficient airport. The FAA’s findings confirm that Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport complies with all applicable regulations.”
The FAA conducts periodic inspections at all commercial airports within the National Airspace System (NAS). Airport certification is contingent upon inspection results, compliance with FAA regulations, and adherence to customized operating manuals and procedures.
“This continued success reflects the commitment to excellence demonstrated across all aspects of airport operations,” said Frank Vala, Chair of the Springfield Airport Authority. “It is a testament to how well the airport is managed and operated, and it underscores the strong commitment of the Springfield Airport Authority Board and staff to our community.”
About Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport
Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport was named the 2020 Primary Airport of the Year by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). In 2021, IDOT released an economic impact study indicating the airport generates $370.8 million in total economic output annually for the local economy and supports 2,630 jobs.
The airport is home to several major tenants, including the Illinois Air National Guard’s 183rd Wing, StandardAero, IDOT’s Division of Aeronautics, Lincoln Land Community College’s LRS Aviation Maintenance Training Center, Air Combat Museum, Illinois Army National Guard, and Stellar Aviation. The main passenger terminal also houses the Passenger Service Center, ION Grove Café, and the Sky Club, a membership-based club offering added amenities for frequent travelers.
Commercial air service includes daily flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) on American Airlines, Fort Myers/Punta Gorda, Florida (PGD) on Allegiant, and Orlando International Airport (MCO) on Breeze Airways. For more information, visit www.FlySPI.com
or contact the Passenger Service Center at 217-788-9200.