Welcome to our annual Runway & Ramp Special Issue

We expect a lot from our airfield pavement - despite the continual abuse it takes from environmental factors including repeated freeze/thaw cycles and harsh chemicals such as jet fuel and deicing fluid. Factor in the incredible loads it withstands from fully packed aircraft perched on relatively tiny wheels, and it's no wonder that finding the right design, installation and maintenance strategies can prove so challenging.

Fortunately, plenty of airports are finding effective new solutions. That's what this special issue is all about. Take Garfield County Regional Airport in Rifle, CO, on page 28. Its coordinated efforts with the FAA, state of Colorado, a consultant and an innovative product supplier pulled together the knowledge, budget, idea and, most importantly, the willingness to develop a different formula for the preventive maintenance of a nearly new runway.

I hope this is a practice that others can/will employ. All too often, the bare minimum is spent on runway maintenance. After years of this practice, runways can no longer take it and require full reconstruction. Money is too often available for reconstruction but not for maintenance.

Remember that airport control tower fiasco brought about by sequestration earlier this year? Hard not to, right? Perhaps there are solutions that can deliver some of the safety and information provided by control towers without the brick and mortar. This summer, Raleigh County Memorial Airport in West Virginia held a demonstration of an unmanned traffic advisory system. The premise is sound, and the results are promising. If the concept continues to prove itself, we could have real solutions to ATC funding shortfalls. 

As always, please let us know what you like, don't like or would like to see in AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT. Enjoy the issue.

Cheers,