Which is true about Part 139's applicability to Alaskan airports?

Part 139 of the Federal Aviation Regulations sets forth the certification requirements for airports serving scheduled air carrier operations. In the context of Alaskan airports, it is particularly important to consider the unique operational and environmental challenges they face, especially during the winter months.

The correct choice highlights that the applicability of Part 139 can be influenced by the operational status of large carrier flights. When large carrier operations are suspended, the requirements of Part 139 do not apply. This means that if an airport is not serving any large air carrier flights, it does not have to meet the stringent certification standards set by Part 139, which are primarily focused on ensuring safety and operational readiness for significant air traffic.

In contrast, the other options misrepresent how Part 139 applies to Alaskan airports. For instance, not all Alaskan airports are classified under Part 139, as there are many airports in the state that primarily serve smaller aircraft or do not have scheduled air carrier service. Additionally, Part 139 does not apply solely to operations during winter; its relevance is continuous but contingent on active large carrier operations rather than the season. Lastly, the assertion that only small air carrier operations are regulated does not capture the full scope of Part 139, which is concerned with safety