Airport Security Badging and Air Operations Area (AOA) Permits

Palm Springs International Airport is dedicated to the safety and security of all operations, landside and airside. In order to ensure this, procedures have been established for gaining access by person or vehicle to the restricted areas of the airport. The following document will guide you through the various access levels and required procedures to obtain clearances to these restricted areas.

Airport Security Documents

Documents

• Authorized Signatory Letter – Print on company letterhead and submit with original signatures
• Fingerprint/Badge Application  – Download to obtain the fillable version  
• AOA Vehicle Permit Packet

How to Obtain an Identification Badge:

1 – Have an Authorized Signatory Letter on File:

Companies requesting Airport Identification Badges must have an Authorized Signatory Letter on file with the airport.  There should be at least one individual, in a management or supervisory capacity only,  authorized to request ID badges for the company.  Please submit your original letter on company letterhead with original signatures.

 2 – Complete A Fingerprint / Badge Application form:

All persons requiring access to restricted areas of Palm Springs International Airport must first complete a Fingerprint / Badge Application form. Completed Fingerprint/Badge Applications must be signed off by an authorized signatory designated in the letter referenced above. The bottom of the second page of the badge application allows the authorized signer to verify the individual, to approve the processing of fingerprints (for SIDA and SAW applicants) and identification badge, and to guarantee payment by his/her company of all fees associated with the fingerprint / badging process.

3 – Make an Appointment for a Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Records Check and TSA Security Threat Assessment:

Fingerprint appointments can be scheduled by calling (760) 318 3830 or e-mailing [email protected].  The fingerprinting and badging process requires the presentation of:

• A completed Fingerprint / Badge Application, and
• Two forms of unexpired government issued identification, with at least one of them bearing the applicant’s photograph.

Some acceptable forms of government issued identification are: State Driver’s License, State Identification Card, Social Security Card, Immigration & Naturalization Identification, Birth Certificate, Passport.

After fingerprints are taken, a Criminal History Records Check and TSA Security Threat Assessment are conducted and the results will usually be reported to the applicant within two weeks. If the fingerprints results do not indicate anything disqualifying, you may move to the next step: training.

4 – Attend the Mandatory Training:

Each applicant is then required to attend training.  Appointments to attend the training can be made by calling (760) 318 3830 or e-mailing [email protected].

Upon successful completion of the training class, the individual will be issued an Airport Identification Badge.

Fingerprinting and Badge Fees

Fingerprinting and badging fees are normally billed to the permanent tenant; however, fees can be paid immediately upon service or issuance. The Airport reserves the right to require payment immediately.  Immediate payments may be made in the form of cash or a check made payable to the City of Palm Springs.  Renewal fees are the responsibility of the applicant, and said fees will be required prior to revalidation of the identification badge.

• Fingerprinting Fee: $50.00
• SIDA, Non-SIDA, Secured Area and Sterile Area Badges Fee: $50.00
• Badge Renewal Fee: $30.00. This fee is waived if badge is renewed before or on the expiration date
• Badge Replacement Fee: $75.00
• Temporary Badge Fee: $30.00.  Applicants must currently possess a permanent valid badge of the same type. No temporary badges are issued for the sterile area.

How to Obtain an Air Operations Area (AOA) Vehicle Permit:

The Airport requires a separate “Authorized Signatory Letter” for each company requesting Vehicle AOA permits. The letter must designate at least one individual in a management or supervisory capacity authorized to request AOA vehicle permits. A sample of this letter is available in the AOA Vehicle Permit Packet. Please submit your letter with original signatures. Two types of permits are available:

1. Permanent or Temporary AOA Vehicle Permit:

This permit is for company vehicles operated on the AOA on a regular basis. This AOA Vehicle Permit request form must be resubmitted each year, or sooner if there are changes or new vehicles are added.  More than one vehicle may be listed with each request, and the form will require the following information: Vehicle make, vehicle type, color, year, and license number. A sample form is available in the AOA Vehicle Permit Packet.

2. Escort Required AOA Vehicle Permit:

Each tenant has the ability to request Escort Required AOA Vehicle Permits (placards) for vehicles needing temporary access inside the restricted area. The tenant must escort the vehicle at all times with a properly badged PSP employee and the tenants’ owned/operated escort vehicle must display a permanent AOA permit.

All vehicle permit fees must be paid at the time of issuance, and fee information can be found in the AOA Vehicle Permit Packet.

All Ground Transportation providers must be permitted and authorized to conduct business at Palm Springs International Airport.

Commercial Vehicle Use Agreement 2021

Greeters Permit Application 2021

Commercial Activity Packet 2021

Off Airport Rental Car Activity Packet 2021

Fee Schedule 2021

Airport’s General Provisions, Rules and Regulations and Minimum Operating Standards (Ordinance No. 1693)

Forms of payment accepted are cash, check or money order made out to the City of Palm Springs, Visa, MasterCard and Discover Card.

Completed documentation and payments for Commercial Vehicle Use Agreements and Greeters Permits should be remitted at the Vehicle Inspection Plaza building located at the entrance of the airport.  The VIP is currently open from 06:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Parking is available in back of the building by entering through the Cargo lane on Kirk Douglas Way. The e-mail address is [email protected], the phone number (760) 318-3830. The mailing address is Palm Springs International Airport, 3400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way – Ste 1 – Palm Springs, CA 92262.

For all other permits, please follow the procedures and remittance instructions provided on the form.

Airport Volunteer Navigators Program

Palm Springs International Airport is the gateway to the beautiful Coachella Valley.  Friendly Volunteer Airport Navigators offer general assistance to travelers such as general way-finding information and assistance in locating airport facilities, assistance in paging, assistance in accessing ground transportation services. They offer maps of Palm Springs and the Coachella valley, local tourists guides magazines, and lists of key phone numbers and directions. They communicate with airline representatives and airport staff to make travelers’ airport experience a positive one.

Volunteer Airport Navigators are stationed at an information counter near the central lobby on the way to the baggage claim wing of the terminal, and they also roam throughout the terminal area. They are generally available during busy travel times seven days a week. They wear a distinctive teal blue shirt or grey jacket emblazoned with the word “Navigator”.

If you’re interested in becoming an Airport Navigator, please go HERE.

PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:

The airport is owned and operated by the City of Palm Springs and applications for positions within the City’s Aviation Department are accepted via the City’s Human Resources Department. To view open positions and apply please go HERE.

Palm Springs International Airport has many different businesses including airlines, car rentals, restaurants, gift shops, above and below-wing handling companies, fixed base operators and federal agencies which are responsible for their own employee hiring.

Airport Administration does not monitor openings that are available from these organizations and inquiries about job opportunities should be directed to the specific company or organization at the following web addresses:

Please visit our Work at PSP page HERE for a list of companies that operate at PSP and to check for open positions.

Palm Springs International Airport serves more than two million passengers each year.  There is no better advertising venue in the Coachella Valley that provides access to such a large and captive audience, with a wide array of business advertising opportunities.

The program is owned by the airport and managed under contract with the specialty firm of LAMAR.

To find out about available locations, rates, or to schedule a site visit please complete our Advertising Contact Form and we’ll have our Lamar sales representative reach out to you!

The City of Palm Springs requires that any person engaged in the business or activity of filming, video taping or otherwise producing motion pictures or still photography for television or public exhibition at any place within the city, other than at or in an established motion picture, television or photography studio, must first obtain a motion picture or still photography permit from the City’s film permit officer through the Parks and Recreation department. Please call (760) 323-8265 for assistance.

• Film permits and information

Additionally, all commercial filming/photography projects shot at Palm Springs International Airport are subject to review by the Director of Aviation and in certain cases the Transportation Security Administration. Insurance documents naming Palm Springs International Airport as an additional insured must be submitted at the time of application.

Location Fees at Palm Springs International Airport include:

• Commercial Filming – $279 per hour plus escort fee
• Commercial Photography – $166 per hour plus escort fee
• Escort Fee – $66 per hour per escort

NOTE: Passenger traffic varies by month and season at PSP, October through April being the busiest of these months. Commercial filming and photography may be limited or restricted during these months, especially January through April.

Thank you for your interest in doing business with the Palm Springs International Airport. Information and related business documents may be obtained from the airport administration office by calling (760) 318-3800.

Open Bids and Proposals

If you would like to view open bids and proposals at Palm Springs International Airport, or if you wish to register as a vendor with the City of Palm Springs, please visit the City of Palm Springs Procurement and Contracting Department through this link or call (760) 323-8236.

Disadvantaged Business Program

For any information regarding the Palm Springs International Airport’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Program please e-mail [email protected].

Airport Concession ACDBE Program – Objectives and Policy Statement

Palm Springs Airport ACDBE Goals FFY 2022-2024

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – Non-Discrimination Policy

Palm Springs International Airport is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in the conduct of its business, including its Title VI responsibilities, and to the delivery of equitable and accessible airport services. As the owner of this airport, the City of Palm Springs recognizes its responsibilities to the community in which it operates and to the society it serves.

It is the policy of the City of Palm Springs that no person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in the receipt of its services on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, creed, or religion, or any other federally protected category as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.  If you believe that you have been excluded, denied benefits, or subjected to discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Palm Springs Aviation Department within 180 days of the alleged discrimination.

Complaint Process

The Aviation Department has established, pursuant to Title VI of  the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the following process to be used by persons who allege a violation.  Individuals are not required by federal regulations to use this process, but may instead file complaints directly with the appropriate outside agency such as the U.S. Department of Transportation or the Federal Aviation Administration.

A complaint can be filed via e-mail to [email protected] or mailed to:

Palm Springs International Airport, 3400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 1, Palm Springs CA. 92260

When filing a complaint, submit as much information as possible concerning the alleged violation.  The complaint should include, at a minimum, the following information:

• Name, address and daytime phone number.
• Basis for complaint (i.e. race, color, national origin, etc.).
• Description of the incident that led the complainant to feel that discrimination was a factor (e.g. denial of access to services, programs or benefits, etc.).
• Date(s) and time(s) the action(s) in question occurred.
• The name of the person or company believed responsible for the discrimination.
• Names and daytime phone numbers of any witnesses to the alleged discriminatory action.
• If you have filed a complaint with any other federal, state or local agency, please note the agency name.
• A detailed explanation of the events that you believe to be discriminatory.

The Aviation Department will assure that all complaints are promptly investigated and will prepare a final report.  This report will describe the complaint, the investigation, the findings, recommendation(s), and any corrective action(s).  The report will be forwarded to the complainant and the FAA.  The investigation and preparation of the final report should take no longer than 90 days.  The Aviation Department can be reached at (760) 318 3800.

Retail and Food & Beverage Opportunities

Palm Springs City Council approved two 10-year concessions contracts on December 5, 2022 with Marshall Retail Group for eight retail locations and Paradies Lagardére for five food & beverage locations in the passenger terminal. Both companies will continue to do vendor outreach, with a focus on local businesses, throughout the term of their contracts. If you are interested in learning more about retail or food & beverage, please contact the appropriate concessionaire below.

Retail 

All vendors interested in retail business opportunities at PSP may reach out to Alea LaRocque with Marshall Retail Group. Vendors must provide their company information and wholesale catalogue to [email protected] .

Food & Beverage 

All vendors interested in food & beverage opportunities at PSP may contact Paradies-Lagardere HERE.

Palm Springs iHub Business Park

Palm Springs International Airport is proud to be home to California’s most successful iHub Business Park. If you are interested in learning more about this entrepreneurial business startup program, which is already serving over a dozen companies, please use the following link for more information: http://cvep.com/iHub.html

Existing Facilities & Land Development

Palm Springs International Airport has a variety of available existing facilities and vacant shovel-ready land for both aviation and non-aviation development. We invite you to contact us and discuss development opportunities. All inquiries are handled with strict confidentiality.

Please contact the Airport Administration Office at (760) 318-3800, or by email at [email protected].

General Aviation

Palm Springs International Airport is the only commercial airport serving the Coachella Valley and is a fully certificated FAA Part 139 Airport providing FAA ATC, 24-hour airport security, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting services, and a large array of high caliber services. The airport serves about 2 million passengers a year originating from and destined for over 500 cities worldwide.

In addition to the commercial airline aspect of the operation, there is a thriving aviation and corporate aircraft community with both transient and based operations including two renowned Fixed Based Operators: Atlantic Aviation and Signature Flight Support. These two FBOs offer a variety of services including rental and ownership opportunities for temporary and long-term aircraft storage and many other services. The on-call  US Customs office on the airport serves both FBOs and makes PSP a convenient airport for private international aircraft arrivals.

If you are interested in basing your aircraft at PSP Airport, it would be our pleasure to have you become a tenant.  We recommend that you first investigate the opportunities with the two FBOs because each manages sizeable properties on the airport. If neither FBO is conducive to your private aircraft plans, we have property that is reserved for new aviation development both for long- and short-term arrangements. An overview map of the available PSP Airport properties is available from the link below.  We encourage you to contact the Airport Administration Office to discuss your interest confidentially and learn more about all PSP Airport has to offer. Thank you.

The Palm Springs International Airport is managed by City of Palm Springs staff under the direction of the City Manager.

The Airport Commission consists of nineteen (19) members appointed by the City Council to serve as an advisory body to City Council and perform duties outlined in the City of Palm Springs Municipal Code Section 2.16.060.  Ten (10) members reside in and represent the City Palm Springs, eight (8) members reside in and represent the eight Coachella Valley cities, and one (1) member represents Riverside County.  The Airport Commission typically meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 P.M. in the airport conference room located in the central lobby, mezzanine level.  Airport parking is validated for all attendees.

Commission Members and Terms

City of Palm Springs

Aftab Dada, Chairman – Term expires 06-30-2024

Kevin J. Corcoran – Vice Chairman – Term expires 6-30-24

Gerald Adams – Term expires 06-30-2022 | Patricia Breslin – Term expires 06-30-2023 | Todd Burke – Term expires 06-30-2022

David Feltman – Term expires 06-30-2022 | Ken Hedrick – Term expires 06-30-2023  | Scott G. Miller – Term expires 06-30-2024

M. Guillermo Suero – Term expires 06-30-2024 | John Payne – Term expires 06-30-2023

City of Cathedral City:  Tony Michaelis – Term expires 06-30-2024

City of Coachella: Denise Delgado – Term expires 01-25-2027

City of Desert Hot Springs: Jan Pye – Term expires 02-28-2022

City of Indian Wells: Paul Budilo – Term expires 06-30-2023

City of Indio: Jhan Schmitz – Term expires 03-31-2023

City of La Quinta: Kathleen Hughes – Term expires 06-30-2024

City of Palm Desert: Kevin Wiseman – Term expires 06-30-2025

City of Rancho Mirage: Vacant

Riverside County:  Paul Slama – Term expires 06-30-2023

Staff Liaison:

• Harry Barrett, Jr.  Executive Director, Harry.Barrett@palmspringsca.gov  (760) 318-3800

Meeting & Agenda Translations & Interpreters:

Meeting agendas and minutes will be translated into Spanish upon request.  If you require the assistance of a Spanish or American Sign Language interpreter to participate in the meeting please contact the City Clerk’s office at least 48 hours prior to the meetings.

A pedido las agendas y los minutos de las reuniones se pueden traducir al Español.  Si necessita la asistencia de un intérprete en Español o en Lenguaje De Señas para participar en la reunion, communíquese con la Oficina del Secretario de la Ciudad al menos 48 horas antes de las reuniones.

Serving on a City Board or Commission

If you are interested in serving on any of the City’s Boards or Commissions please click here to learn more about the appointment process and to complete the online application.

Agenda E-Notifications

You can receive email notification of upcoming meetings and other events by subscribing to the City of Palm Springs e-notification service.

To subscribe, please click here.

City of Palm Springs YouTube Channel

 To view Airport Commission Meetings, click on this link

Aircraft Operations

Safe and efficient flow of air traffic, both on the ground and in the air, is provided by the FAA. Air traffic controllers, administrative staff and facilities and equipment maintenance personnel assigned to Palm Springs International Airport all contribute to the local economy.

• Airfield Layout
• Airport Certification Manual

Palm Springs Approach Control also provides radar service to pilots operating from Bermuda Dunes and Thermal airports. Installation of a microwave landing system by the FAA is scheduled for the airport to further enhance the airport’s ability to handle future activity and growth.

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is required to keep its Airport Master Record (FAA Form 5010) updated with the FAA.  Clicking on the attached link will direct you to the GCR1.com website (FAA’s contractor) to view all Airport Master Records.  Type “PSP” in the ‘(Location Identifier Only)’ or Palm Springs, then click on SEARCH to view PSP’s Airport Master Record.

• Airport IQ 5010

Helicopter Operations

• Helicopter Pilot Guide
• Suggested helicopter routes

Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting

State-of-the-art aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) equipment, modern facilities and skilled firefighters provide a safe environment for conducting air transportation. To meet FAR Part 139 requirements of an Index C Airport, PSP has at its disposal 3 ARFF vehicles: 2 Oshkosh STI-1500’s and 1 Oshkosh STI-3000 with snozzle. The airport employs City of Palm Springs fire department staff, supporting all personnel and operating cost from revenues generated through aviation activities.

ARFF personnel provide more than rescue operations. All firefighters are trained emergency medical technicians who provide quick response to on-airport medical emergencies.

ADVERTISING:

• Lamar Advertising – (503) 222-2527

ATMS (3 Locations):

• MobileMoney – (888) 414-6866

PREPAID CREDIT CARD DISPENSERS (2 locations):

• Ready Credit – (800) 506-0630

FOOD & BEVERAGE:  

• • Half Moon Empanadas (Courtyard beyond Security Checkpoint)
  • PSP Coffee House (Center Terminal and Beyond Security Checkpoint)
  • Santa Rosa Kitchen (Bono Concourse)
  • California Vintages Wine Bar (Courtyard beyond Security Checkpoint)
  • Buzz by Bar Fly (Regional Concourse)

PUBLIC PARKING:

• ABM Aviation – (760) 327 0910

RETAIL:  NEWS, GIFTS AND FOOD AND BEVERAGE TO GO:

• All retails shops are managed by The Paradies-Lagardere Shops – (760) 778-6245
  • Desert News (Bono Concourse) – Open
  • Desert Mart (Bono Concourse) – Open
  • Desert Marketplace (Bono Concourse) – Open
  • PGA Tour Shop (Bono Concourse) – Open
  • CNBC (Regional Concourse) – Open

SKYCAP SERVICES:

• Sierra Aviation – (760) 778-2845

FBOs:

• Atlantic Aviation – (760) 320-7704
• Signature Flight Support – (760) 327-1201

Operating a Drone

Safety Guidelines

The proper operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) is critical to the safety of both commercial and general aviation aircraft operating at Palm Springs International Airport (PSP).  All UAS operators and owners are required to understand the many regulations that address drone operations.  The best source of information to learn and comply with the Federal Aviation Administration’s guidelines is the following web site link: https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=93769

Do NOT fly in or above the Palm Springs International Airport Class D controlled airspace unless you have received an airspace waiver through the FAA’s Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) website.  Waivers are currently being issued to Part 107 users only.  Authorization to fly within controlled airspace WILL NOT be granted over the phone by Air Traffic Control.

NOTE: To apply for a waiver to fly within Palm Springs controlled airspace, visit https://faadronezone.faa.gov/.  If you have not registered your Part 107 drone, you will need to do so and set up an account.  Once your account has been set up, select “Operational Waiver” option to request your airspace waiver.

NOTE:  For Part 107 users, to see the Palm Springs (PSP) UAS Map the FAA uses to authorize Part 107 UAS operations, visit https://faa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=9c2e4406710048e19806ebf6a06754ad and type in “PSP” in the top left address bar.  The map is segmented by grids notated by a number that represents the highest permissible altitude UAS may fly.  There is a “no drone zone” around the Palm Springs International Airport for the safety and protection of our flying public.  Any request that exceeds the altitude depicted will be automatically denied.

NOTE: If your organization is interested in establishing a letter of agreement for a fixed flying site, please contact the FAA  at [email protected].

If you have any questions, the Palm Springs Air Traffic Control Tower can be reached at (760) 322-7500.

FIXED BASE OPERATORS

Two major fixed base operators (FBOs) provide a complete range of aviation services to general aviation aircraft used by individuals and companies for personal and business purposes. For private operations information, hangar rental space, or tie-downs please contact Signature Flight Support or Atlantic Aviation.

Atlantic Aviation

145 South Gene Autry Trail
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 320-7704 – Manager – Karin Accuardi

Please visit their website at https://www.atlanticaviation.com/location/PSP

Signature Flight Support

250 North El Cielo Road
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 327-1201- Manager – Yoel Sade

Please visit their website at http://www.signatureflight.com/locations/psp

U.S. CUSTOMS

U.S. Customs, I.N.S. and U.S.D.A. services are now available at Palm Springs International Airport seven days per week from 6:00 AM until 11:00 PM. After hours arrivals must be made during normal business hours.

Business Hours are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tel. (760) 318-3880 or (760) 318-8880.

• Tarmac Delay Emergency Contingency Plan

The City of Palm Springs, owner and operator of Palm Springs International Airport, has established an Airline Incentive Program to encourage new entrant air carriers and incumbent air carriers to establish passenger routes between PSP and unserved or underserved domestic and international destinations.

Please contact the airport’s Deputy Director of Aviation, Marketing & Air Service at (760) 318 3800 to discuss all air service related matters.

Access Airport Master Plan Documents here.

Access Ticketing Modernization Project Documents here.

The following documents are in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.

In order to have cabling, voice or data work performed in the terminal, or in order to access utility rooms, please fill a Service Approval Request form and submit it to the City of Palm Springs IT Department one week before the expected work date.

Click here to access the Service Approval Request

Airport signage is a very important tool in the operations of PSP airport. If not managed within a uniform framework, signage can become confusing to our customers and be unsightly. The Tenant Manager Guide provides guidelines so that the signage displayed in the public areas will:

• Provide an effective source of needed information
• Maintain quality of design that is compatible with the aesthetics of PSP
• Be attractive and use colors and materials that are compatible with the design of the facility.

Tenants are required to follow the concept approval process for all signage prior to installation. Alterations of existing signage also requires approval.  Please submit your request to the Airport Administration Manager.

Click here to access a fillable Signage Concept Approval Request form.

At the City Council Meeting of January 27, 2022, the City of Palm Springs will conduct a Brown Act Public Hearing pertaining to Customer Facility Charges at the Palm Springs International Airport. Detailed information can be found in the linked documents below:

• Public Hearing Notice – City Council Meeting of January 27, 2022
• Customer Facility Charge & Common Transportation Analysis
• Palm Springs Airport Examination of Customer Facility Charge Rate Analysis