Airport advisory board chair warns FAA probe could jeopardize Las Cruces Part 139 certificate; council took no immediate action

Michael Radke, chair of the Las Cruces Airport Advisory Board, told the City Council that the Federal Aviation Administration has been notified of an internal issue at the airport and has opened a formal letter of investigation that "could jeopardize our part 139 certificate," he said during public comment Monday.

Radke identified himself as a licensed airline pilot, a gold-seal flight instructor and the advisory-board chair and said he flew 500 miles to speak to the council. He told the council the airport is a Part 139 certificate holder and is subject to the airport certification manual and federal aviation regulations; he said the airport manager must be allowed to carry out the manager's responsibilities to keep the airport in compliance.

"They are opening a formal letter of investigation in our airport, which could jeopardize our part 139 certificate," Radke said, describing the matter as an "internal issue with city management and city staff." He said he had corresponded with the FAA and that the agency had been made aware of the issue.

Radke said he was speaking as a concerned citizen and advised the city to ensure the airport manager's authority under the municipal code and the airport certification manual is respected to maintain safety and avoid revenue and compliance consequences.

The statement was delivered during the public comment period; no formal council action or response was recorded in the meeting minutes on the item. Radke said he would provide specifics in follow-up correspondence and meet with staff to discuss next steps.