Operations and Security
Aircraft Operations and Noise Complaints
The Palm Springs International Airport has established a noise complaint hotline in order to maintain a database of information tracking noise concerns. The telephone number for the Noise Complaint Line is 318-3800 ext. 5276. When calling this number please be sure to include your name, address, phone number and the date and time of the event. Also, please include the type of aircraft, color of aircraft, the number of engines and tail number of the aircraft, if possible.
Several calls to the Palm Springs International Airport regarding noise issues have been generated by aircraft not utilizing our facility. A number of these events are produced by medical evacuation flights traversing to and from the Desert Regional Medical Center. Please call the hospital at 323-6524 when there appears to be helicopter traffic producing excessive noise in the area of Indian Canyon and Tachevah.
Suggested helicopter routes.
Airfield Layout
Aircraft Operations
Safe and efficient flow of air traffic, both on the ground and in the air, is provided by the FAA. Air traffic controllers, administrative staff and facilities and equipment maintenance personnel assigned to Palm Springs International Airport all contribute to the local economy.
Palm Springs Approach Control also provides radar service to pilots operating from Bermuda Dunes and Thermal airports. Installation of a microwave landing system by the FAA is scheduled for the airport to further enhance the airport's ability to handle future activity and growth.
Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting
State-of-the-art aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) equipment, modern facilities and skilled firefighters provide a safe environment for conducting air transportation. To meet FAR Part 139 requirements of an Index C Airport, PSP has at its disposal 3 ARFF vehicles: 2 Oshkosh STI-1500's and 1 Oshkosh STI-3000 with snozzle. The airport employs City of Palm Springs fire department staff, supporting all personnel and operating cost from revenues generated through aviation activities.
ARFF personnel provide more than rescue operations. All firefighters are trained emergency medical technicians who provide quick response to on-airport medical emergencies.
Safety and Security
Palm Springs International Airport is dedicated to safety and security of all operations landside and airside. Because of this, we have established procedures for gaining access by person or vehicle to the public-restricted areas of the airport. The following document will guide you through the various access levels and procedures to follow to obtain clearances to these restricted areas.
Links to Required Documents (in PDF format)
Airport Rules & Regulations and Minimum Operating Standards
Sample Authorization Signature Letter Print on company letterhead and submit with original signatures.
Identification Badge Application (V11.07)
2008 AOA Permit Package
Definitions
Sterile Area – The sterile area is referred to the area beyond the security screening checkpoint. Only persons with a valid boarding pass / ticket, Sterile Area Worker (SAW), or SIDA identification badge may proceed into this area after being screened.
SIDA – The Security Identification Display Area is where you must display your proper identification badge in an easily viewable area above the waist. The SIDA area requires “challenge” procedures. These challenge procedures are used by ALL employees to assure that anyone in this area is wearing and displaying their appropriate ID badge.
Non-SIDA – An area on the airport where all persons require appropriate Non-SIDA identification.
AOA Vehicle Permit – A permanent sticker or temporary placard affixed to a vehicle authorizing access to the restricted areas of the airport.
Airport Identification Badge – A media allowing access to certain parts of the Airport. The Airport Identification Badge may be one of the following: Sterile Area Worker, SIDA, or Non-SIDA.
Authorization Signature Letter – A letter drafted by an Airport tenant that establishes the company and approved persons who can request badges and permits on behalf of the company.
Procedures to Obtain an Airport Identification Badge
The Airport requires an "Authorization Signature Letter" to be on file for each company sending employees for fingerprints or badges. The letter must have at least one individual who is authorized to request ID badges for your company. We prefer that you include only management or supervisors on this letter. A Sample Authorization Signature Letter is available in PDF format from the link above or you can obtain one by visiting Airport Operations. Please submit your "original" letter on company letterhead with "original" signatures.
All persons requiring access to restricted areas of Palm Springs International Airport must first complete an Identification Badge Application form. This form may be downloaded from this site, in Adobe PDF format, and must be signed by an authorized representative of the applicant's employing agency. Such applicant must submit to a fingerprint-based "Criminal History Records Check" (CHRC) and be cleared prior to receiving a Palm Springs International Airport SIDA ID badge. The Airport will require each individual applying for a SIDA/SAW badge to be fingerprinted and to fill out a new badge/fingerprint application. The current version of the form that is acceptable is V.11-07.
Completed fingerprint/badge applications must be signed off by an authorized signature from the letter above (Item #1). The bottom of the second page of the badge application allows the authorized signature to verify the individual, and to approve the processing of fingerprints (for SIDA and SAW applicants) and identification badges. The authorized signature also confirms that the company will pay all fees associated with fingerprint/badge processing.
Successful completion of a fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) is required prior to receiving an SIDA/SAW identification badge or taking SIDA training. Fingerprint appointments can be scheduled by calling (760) 318-3830 or e-mailing VIP@palmspirngs-ca.gov. The fingerprinting and badging process require the presentation of two (2) forms of appropriate Identification. You must have at least one "Government Issued" identification along with one valid photo identification. Some acceptable forms of identification are: State Driver's License, State Identification Card, Social Security Card, Immigration & Naturalization Identification, Birth Certificate, Passport, or FAA Pilot's Certificate
After fingerprints are taken, the results will usually reported to the applicant within one (1) week. If the fingerprint results do not indicate any disqualifying crimes, you may move to the next step.
Each applicant is required to attend training, after successfully completing the CHRC/employment verification. This is mandatory training. After the applicant receives notification that they have cleared the CHRC process, an appointment to attend the training can be made by calling (760) 318-3830 or e-mailing VIP@palmsprings-ca.gov. As long as all the items are completed above, the individual will be processed for a badge at the end of their training.
Fingerprinting and Badge Fees
Fingerprinting and badging fees are normally billed to the permanent tenant; however, fees can be paid immediately upon service or issuance. The AIRPORT reserves the right to require payment immediately. Immediate payments may be made in the form of cash or check made payable to the “City of Palm Springs.” Renewal fees are the responsibility of the applicant, and said fees will be required prior to revalidation of the identification badge.
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TYPE
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COST
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RENEWAL
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REPLACEMENT
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TEMPORARY
|
|
Fingerprinting Fee
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$37.00
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N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
SIDA/Secured Area Badges
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$37.00
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$22.00*
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$54.00
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$27.00**
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|
Non-SIDA/Secured Area Badges
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$37.00
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$22.00*
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$54.00
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$27.00**
|
|
Sterile Area Badges
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$37.00
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$22.00*
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$54.00
|
N/A
|
*The $22.00 renewal fee is not collected if the badge is renewed on or before the expiration date.
** Requires that the applicant currently have issued a permanent badge in same type being applied for.
Procedures to Obtain an AOA Vehicle Permit
The Airport requires a separate "Authorization Signature Letter" to be on file for each company requesting AOA Permits. The letter must have at least one individual who is authorized to request ID badges for your company. We prefer that you include only management or supervisors on this letter. A sample form is available by visiting the Airport Permitting Office or e-mailing Airport Operations at VIP@palmsprings-ca.gov.. Please submit your letter with "original" signatures.
An AOA Vehicle Permit request form must be submitted each time you are requesting vehicle permits. More than one vehicle may be listed with each request, and the form will require the following information: Vehicle make, vehicle type, color, year, and license number. A sample form is available by visiting the Airport Permitting Office or e-mailing Airport Operations at VIP@palmsprings-ca.gov. An information package is also available for reference.
Additional AOA Vehicle Permit Information
Each tenant has the ability to request “Escort Required” AOA Vehicle Permits. These permits allow the tenant to acquire and retain a permit that can be used for vehicles the tenant would like to escort inside the restricted area for temporary use. The tenant MUST escort the vehicle at all times with a properly badged employee and the tenants owned/operated escort vehicle must display a permanent AOA permit.
All vehicle permit fees must be paid at the time of issuance.
Airport Police
The Palm Springs Police Department assumed responsibility for security and all matters pertaining to law enforcement, as mandated by TSA (Transportation Security Administration) rules and regulations. Currently, there are a number of officers assigned to patrol the airport exclusively. Their primary roles are to respond to security screening alerts, traffic accidents, traffic control, security patrols, and investigating crimes which occur on airport property. In addition to the assigned officers, all sworn personnel have been trained or will be trained to federal standards in case of emergencies.
Thanks to generous donations from our community and increased security, the Police Department's Airport Detail recently added two explosives detection dogs. The dogs and their handlers are permanently assigned to the airport, but can be used on a callout basis for many different assignments.
The Palm Springs Police Airport Detail, known as LEP (Law Enforcement Personnel) under federal regulations, are primarily responsible for the Screening/Checkpoint area where passengers and their bags and property are checked for any weapons, explosives and/or devices, and any item that is suspicious. The actual searching is conducted by the personnel of the Transportation Security Administration , federal government employees under the umbrella of the Office of Homeland Security. When any suspicious item or passenger is identified, they are alerted and take appropriate action. LEP patrol the airport terminal, the loading ramps, waiting areas, airport perimeter, adjoining parking facilities and airport property and respond to medical emergencies aboard aircraft and in the airport terminal building. They assist airport operations personnel and take police action when necessary. They investigate any criminal activity occurring at the Palm Springs International Airport and work closely with airline investigators, FAA, TSA, NTSB and other law enforcement. The processing of found property is also a LEP function.
Since Palm Springs is a Resort Port, we coordinate and assist the FBI, Secret Service, CIA, Capitol Police, various state police agencies and foreign agents with their VIP's and State Department security and escorts. Most importantly, we strive to achieve an atmosphere of respect and trust with all the personnel at the Palm Springs International Airport through personal contact and interaction. As professionals, we impart the Palm Springs Police Department Mission Statement to all personnel and customers and make that part of our primary objective. Last, and definitely not least, we assist airport operations personnel with kindergarten, grammar school and other group tours of the airport. We envision other programs in the future that will enhance our continued commitment to Community Policing.