LAS CRUCES — An ongoing federal investigation into Las Cruces International Airport centers on a dispute between the airport director, who is a city employee, and the city manager's office regarding a staff member's violations of security procedures, according to documents obtained through public records requests.

Federal Aviation Administration inspector Michael Fray contacted the city in a letter dated May 2 stating he was looking into allegations of noncompliance with federal regulations governing the airport's Part 139 certification, which permits the airport to serve commercial flights. The certification mandates regular safety inspections and procedural checks, aircraft rescue and firefighting services, emergency response plans and wildlife hazard management.

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