Storm Proves Why ACAA Airports Set the Snow-Removal Standard

While airports across the country experienced temporary closures when the first significant snowfall of the year came earlier than usual, the two Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA) airports remained open and fully operational—thanks to the snow-fighting crews’ preparation and professionalism.

The storm, which began in the early hours of Tuesday, Dec. 2, brought about four inches of heavy, wet snow that could have quickly overwhelmed runways, taxiways and apron areas if not managed quickly and with coordination. That type of snow is also hard on equipment, adding to the challenges the airports’ crews faced.

Before the first snowflake fell, both airports were briefed by the National Weather Service on how much snow to expect and when it would begin – and even what type of snow to expect. Snow was expected to begin just after midnight so both airports’ snow removal crews were onsite at 10 p.m. and in position with the snow began.

The professionalism, training and experience ensured that all runways and taxiways remained available throughout the storm.

“Besides freezing rain, this type of weather is the most difficult to deal with,” said Jim Moorhead, Vice President of Airport Operations at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). “Heavy, wet snow is more difficult to remove and harder on the equipment; it didn’t matter. Our guys were spot on, keeping the runways and taxiways cleared. And less than 24 hours after the storm, the airfield was immaculate. Great team. It is why we train and prepare.”

Francie Kaye, Manager, General Aviation Operations at Allegheny County Airport (AGC), was not surprised that her team kept the airport open and available throughout the storm. It’s the sacrifices they make that continue to impress her.

“We have a small crew,” Kaye said. “They had already worked earlier that day but returned at 10 p.m. and stayed for the duration of the storm, remaining on site until the cleanup was complete the next day. It’s an incredible team.”

Balchen/Post Award winners

The storm served as a reminder of why ACAA’s “Snow Fighters” are considered the best in the business as recognized in April with the prestigious Balchen/Post Award presented by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).

The Balchen/Post Award is a national honor recognizing excellence in airport snow and ice control. It’s presented each year to airports that demonstrate outstanding performance in keeping runways, taxiways and ramps open and safe during winter weather. In 2025, PIT won its sixth award in the Medium Commercial Airport category and AGC won its first in the General Aviation – Large Airport category.

Winning a Balchen/Post Award reflects the strong leadership, training and dedication of the ACAA field maintenance teams.

Winning the Balchen/Post Award is more than a point of pride: PIT plays an essential role in national air travel, serving as a preferred FAA diversion site when East Coast airports are impacted by weather or other issues.

PIT has two Category 3 runways in operation, among the longest in the Mid-Atlantic region, capable of accommodating aircraft of all sizes — even the four-engine Airbus A380. Because of its multiple runways, PIT also has the country’s third-highest acceptance rate, or number of planes that can land safely in an hour, with 80 per hour.

“If there is a significant weather event on the East Coast, we often expect to accommodate aircraft diversions,” Moorhead said. “Weather doesn’t change the expectations of PIT, always open and safe to operate. Whether it’s a hurricane, tornado, thunderstorm or snowstorm, we’re committed to operating safely and keeping the facility open, no matter the weather. We pride ourselves on handling whatever comes, whenever it happens.”

AGC’s availability is a matter of life and death.; almost 20 percent of all takeoffs and landings are medical-related.

AGC supports organ transplant flights, numerous medevac operations and medical diagnostic testing flights. The airport also serves as the maintenance hub for STAT Medevac – a University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) emergency medevac and air medical transport service – underscoring its critical role in the Pittsburgh region’s public health and emergency care.

According to Kaye, the airport has an additional challenge. Its field maintenance workers’ hours typically do not cover a 24-hour day, and snowstorms aren’t very accommodating, hitting throughout the day.

“It’s really a testament to our team,” said Kaye. “They make themselves available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They know how important AGC is to the community and take great pride in the role they play, not just for the medical-related flights but also those that rely on the airport for their business or personal needs.”

Winter Operations Drill

That both PIT and AGC were ready for the early storm should not be surprising. ACAA’s winter readiness program is built on year-round planning, cross-departmental coordination and continuous training.

That is on display in the annual Winter Operations Drill, a full-scale exercise that ensures crews and equipment are ready to keep runways clear and flights moving safely when winter weather hits. ACG had its drill on Oct. 24; PIT on Nov. 13.

Each drill involved team members operating the airport’s massive fleet of high-tech snow removal vehicles, ranging from plows and blowers to brooms and deicers. The goal: to test readiness, communication and coordination among teams responsible for keeping runways, taxiways and ramps clear and safe in different weather scenarios.

The annual drill isn’t the start of winter preparations. Each airport’s crew is routinely training and learning to operate recent equipment acquisitions, beginning in the spring and continuing through the fall.

“We have a year-round commitment to safety and preparedness,” said Moorhead. “We constantly train, plan, and upgrade our equipment throughout the year because PIT remaining open is vital to the region and national airspace.”

“The public’s expectations are no different for us, even with a smaller crew,” Kaye said. “They expect the airport to be open when they need it, regardless of the weather. That is why we emphasis the year-around training.”