What exemption does Subpart B of Part 139 often include?

Subpart B of Part 139 often includes an exemption from Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) requirements for small airports, which is particularly relevant for airports that meet certain criteria based on their operations and size. This exemption recognizes that smaller airports may have different operational needs and limitations compared to larger ones. For example, the volume of air traffic, the types of aircraft operated, and the overall risk profile are factors that allow these smaller airports to be exempt from some of the more stringent ARFF requirements that are usually mandated for busier airports.

Such exemptions are crucial to ensure that small airports can continue to operate efficiently while still maintaining a level of safety that aligns with their specific operational realities. By not having to meet certain ARFF standards, which can be resource-intensive, these airports can allocate their resources more effectively, focusing on other areas that might need more attention given their unique circumstances.