The Nine Factors Leading to a Safe and Efficient Airport Runway

1. A Clean Runway

Foreign Object Debris (FOD) are an object, particle, substance, debris or agent that is not where it is supposed to be and can lead to a hazardous situation to the aircraft itself, personnel on site, or a safety delay.  Common airport debris includes aircraft parts, tire fragments, mechanics’ tools, nails, luggage parts, broken pavement, and stones.

2. A Stable Runway

Powerful jet blasts can cause erosion in runway and taxiway shoulders.  It is vital to have a surface that can withstand this phenomenon and provide a stable area for incoming and outgoing aircraft that is free of rutting. 

3. A Strong Runway

A380 movement areas require detailed planning to accommodate the extra-large wingspan and route of these airliners.  The infrastructure of any airport’s A380 movement areas must be exceptionally durable and extend and stabilize runway and taxiway shoulders to prevent erosion and FOD from jet wash.

4. A High-Visibility Runway

Infield islands and decommissioned high-speed exits or taxiways with high visibility markings can help prevent pilots from inadvertently landing on wide taxiways, further preventing delays and hazards.

5. An Incursion-less Runway

Airplanes are constantly landing and taking off throughout the day at any airport. Because of this, personnel and equipment can find themselves within or around runway/taxiway safety areas.   This is a situation that can lead to both incursions and vehicle/pedestrian deviations (VPD’s).

6. A Secure Runway

In the event of an urgent situation, emergency response equipment needs a fastened and stable surface to ensure the quickest response times possible to airport incidents.

7. A Bird-Free Runway

Different elements of traditional airport ground coverings can create an environment rich in food, water, and shelter for birds.  Bird strikes are a dangerous phenomenon that has been calculated to cost the aviation industry $1.2 billion USD each year.

8. A High-Drainage Runway

Standing water in airside areas of airports can lead to early deterioration of runway pavement and hazardous landing/taking off situations for pilots.  Both surface runoff and subsurface flow are important to properly drain.

9. A Habitat-Free Runway

Just as traditional airport ground coverings can lead to an environment that is attractive to birds, they can also lead to a habitat for burrowing species.  This is an unsafe situation for both the airliners as well as the animals themselves.

Each of the nine factors leading to a safer, better runway can be achieved with the correct infrastructure and planning of an airport.  AvTurf is a patented aviation turf system that curbs the most common hazards such as erosion, bird strikes, and FODs that impact airport runways and taxiways.  The artificial grass surface also stays clean and green year-round and requires little maintenance.

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