b'AIRFIELD MAINTENANCESGR59were not losing their jobs as there were plenty of other tasks that are our responsibility, says Durbin. Other duties that fall under their purview include patching spalls on pavement, painting airfield lines and markings, trimming, maintaining signs and markings, changing bulbs in airfield lighting, maintaining tower and terminal facilities, cleaning restrooms, maintaining 11 city-owned hangars and more. Rosenbaum emphasizes that the autonomous mowers are not meant to replace the workers, but to allow their responsibilities to be redefined and skill sets expanded. For instance, if the robot equipment can do the lions share of mowing, employees can be trained to do tasks the airport currently contracts out, such as applying airfield markings and pressure washing the pavement.Airfield maintenance people are doing more with fewer resources, Kubista says, adding that mowing is monotonous work that can be especially unpleasant in the Texas summer heat. The value of the output [of autonomous mowers] is more valuable as the worker is free to do other necessary work.The new equipment from RC Mowers can operate autonomously or with a driver.On that note, personnel development has become a main priority for Rosenbaum. These days, the airport conducts stay interviews with current employees, an innovative twist on exit interviews that help assess satisfaction and other key factors. Rosenbaum reports that stay interviews have revealed that employees want to grow and learn new skills. When you think of maintenance, there arent a lot of new tools and technologies out there; so this [the introduction of autonomous mowers] was something new and exciting for them to learn about.Safety is No AccidentAlthough SGR is not a Part 139 airport, Durbin and crew follow Part 139 standards for airfield maintenance and use the FAA Series 150 Advisory Circulars (AC-150) for guidance. In that vein, Durbin notes that the autonomous mowing robots will not be used inside the taxiway and runway safety areas. We cannot accept the risk, he explains, adding that more diligence is required to plan mowing areas when robotic equipment is involved.We are serious about safety, Durbin emphasizes.AirportImprovement.comMarch | April 2025'