Boca Raton Airport Wins FAA Safety Award, Achieves 100% Safety Program Participation

The Boca Raton Airport Authority announced that they have received the 2023 General Aviation Safety Award from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Southern Region Airports Division. The award, presented on February 4, 2025, at the Southern Region Airports Conference in Atlanta, GA, recognizes exceptional commitment to safety practices and innovations. A key factor in winning this accolade was the Airport achieving 100% participation in its comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS).

The Airport’s dedication to fostering a culture of safety and collaboration has set a new standard in the aviation industry. The voluntary SMS program demonstrates a collective commitment to maintaining and exceeding rigorous safety standards in general aviation.

At the heart of the Airport’s safety success is the “Soaring with Safety Campaign,” which serves as a comprehensive framework for safety efforts. This initiative encompasses:

  • Proactive hazard identification and risk mitigation strategies
  • Enhanced communication channels between management and tenants
  • Continuous improvement through data-driven decision-making
  • Regular safety training and awareness programs
  • PSA videos and recognition of safety heroes
  • Annual Safety Week activities
  • SMS Safety Manual and semi-annual newsletter

Clara Bennett, Executive Director of Boca Raton Airport, commented on the award: “Our team has always put safety first, and it’s gratifying to see the FAA recognize our efforts. Many airports apply for this award, which goes to show that we’re leaders in aviation safety.”

Boca Raton Airport continues to prioritize safety in all aspects of its operations, setting a benchmark for general aviation facilities across the nation.

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.