Minimum Standards

Paine Field's Minimum Standards provide the threshold entry requirements (qualifications, levels of service, facilities, insurance) for those wishing to provide aeronautical services to the public and to insure that those who have undertaken to provide commodities and services as approved are not exposed to unfair or irresponsible competition. Minimum standards have been in place at many airports nationwide and are supported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Our Minimum Standards were initially updated in 1998 and most recently updated in 2025. PAE took into consideration the aviation role of the Snohomish County Airport, facilities that currently exist at the airport, services currently being offered at the airport, and the future development and aviation services planned for the airport. The 2025 update was completed using an outside consultant and consulted with airport users and tenants, the county risk manager, and the county insurance advisor. The update aligns the minimum standards with FAA regulations and guidance.

These minimum standards and guidelines contain the minimum levels of service, facilities, staffing, insurance, and environmental compliance that must be met by the prospective service provider. The uniform application of these standards relates primarily to the public interest by discouraging substandard entrepreneurs and mandating insurance coverage levels, thereby protecting the airport, airport patrons and established aeronautical activities.