MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The 23d Civil Engineer Squadron coordinated runway repainting and rubber removal with the 23d Operations Support Squadron Aug. 10 - 25, 2020, for safer flightline operations, here.
Airfield management and partnering contractors annually remove rubber and repaint Moody runways and signs to keep our pilots safe and comply with Air Force standards.
“Without the runway, we have no mission,” said Lee Walters, 23d OSS airfield manager. “The runway and airfield are the keys to this installation, and it is our job to make sure it is safe. The rubber removal is very important because the rubber build-up on the runway will create hazards. It obstructs the airfield markings that are painted on the runway, which are very important for the pilots [to be able to see]. It [also] blocks the runway water drainage mechanisms, which can cause pilots to hydroplane. Lastly, it can prevent the aircraft from landing properly.”
Contractors use specialized equipment on their truck to effectively remove the obstructing rubber deposits from the runway.
“The truck the contractors have has a high-pressured water system with a lawn-mower-shaped head on it,” said Harry Hughes, 23d CES project manager. “They turn the pressure up to remove the rubber, and they sweep up the residue.”
In addition to removing rubber, contractors work to remove chipped paint and repaint Moody runways and signs. The painting process includes hand-painting designated aircraft parking signs and using a machine that applies more paint at a faster rate.
“Runway painting is critical to ensuring the runway markings are visible during the day and at night,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Shelly, 23d OSS director of operations. “At night, these markings are reflective to quickly aid in pilot interpretation of critical landing parameters. Each runway marking has a specific meaning and are used for the guidance and safety of aircraft during taxi, takeoff and landing.
“Takeoff and landing are routine parts of flight. Knowing that our airfield management professionals are ensuring a safe landing surface and runway environment enables [pilots] to focus on our primary mission of protecting the friendly forces to meet the ground force commander’s intent.”