Definition
The section of the federal aviation regulations that establishes the certification requirements for airports serving scheduled and certain unscheduled air carrier operations. It sets the standards an airport operator must meet to obtain and keep an Airport Operating Certificate, covering areas such as movement-area markings and signage, runway and taxiway safety, rescue and firefighting services, wildlife hazard management, snow and ice control, and recordkeeping.
Plain English
The federal rulebook that says what an airport must do to be allowed to handle airline flights. If an airport wants airline service, it has to follow Part 139.
Context Anchor
Seen when FAA material discusses airport ground movement, especially at larger airports with formal procedures for low visibility.
Derivation
CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations, the official collection of rules issued by U.S. federal agencies. Title 14 of the CFR is the title that contains all aviation regulations, and Part 139 is the specific part within Title 14 that deals with airport certification. So '14 CFR Part 139' is simply a precise address pointing to one section of the federal aviation rulebook.
Why Pilots Care
Compliance ensures the airport meets defined safety levels for taxi, takeoff, and landing operations.
Intuition Check
Do not read 14 CFR Part 139 as a handbook chapter or a suggestion. It is a federal regulation that applies to certain airports and shapes how those airports must operate.
Example Sentence 1
The airport upgraded its rescue and firefighting equipment to remain compliant with 14 CFR Part 139.
Example Sentence 2
Surface movement guidance systems are installed and operated in accordance with 14 CFR Part 139 requirements.