Celebrating Ellington's 20 years of flawless FAA inspections

Ellington’s streak of perfection continues.

Oct 13, 2025

On Thursday, Oct. 9, Houston Airports leadership gathered at the Lone Star Flight Museum to honor a remarkable milestone: Ellington Airport's (EFD) 20th consecutive year of zero discrepancies in its FAA Part 139 inspections. Aviation Director Jim Szczesniak, Chief Operating Officers Kelly Woodward, EFD General Manager Arturo Machuca and other members of the airport system's leadership team paused from their busy schedules to celebrate a team whose small size belies its extraordinary impact. With just 27 team members, Ellington has demonstrated that consistency, teamwork and attention to detail can build a legacy.

The FAA Part 139 inspection is an annual, multi-day audit that covers runway conditions, lighting, safety zones, wildlife management, emergency response and more. A zero-discrepancy report is rare and underscores the year-round vigilance of airport operations, maintenance and partner teams.

"This achievement is a testament to how hard the team at Ellington works and how dedicated they are to paying attention to the details," said Szczesniak. "From the airfield markings to signage, lighting and even grass maintenance, EFD always looks excellent."

After enjoying fajitas from Houston favorite El Tiempo Cantina, employees spent the afternoon exploring the museum's exhibits. With Lone Star Flight Museum Director Jerry Scott as their guide, the team discovered fascinating stories about the museum's efforts to preserve their collection of historic aircraft.

Ellington's incredible streak is more than just a number. As Arturo Machuca said shortly after the 2025 inspections, "EFD's continued record of zero discrepancies reflects the professionalism and dedication of every team member and partner who keeps this airfield safe and mission-ready." He added, "As we expand our footprint to support aerospace innovation and military readiness, this milestone underscores that growth will never come at the expense of safety."

Congratulations to the Ellington Airport team, and thank you for 20 years of excellence.