Airport striping

I just got my first municipal airport striping contract does any one have any suggestions on what to do and what not to do. I'm using an HS 200 and I want a high quality job when I'm finished,its approx.30000' in total and layout two heli pads. Thanks for any suggestions Lorne

Don't know what to tell you except be SURE you do everything exactly to spec. Also be sure of the glass bead specs. Unless it's a small airport and they just didn't spec it right "airport" beads are a lot different (and far more expensive) than "highway" beads. They are larger and designed to reflect light at a different angle since aircraft lights are hitting the pavement from a far greater height than headlights on vehicles. Be sure if they have closing schedules that you can do what you need to within the time frame and if they are not furnishing the "closed" markers you'll have to do some looking. The FAA is very stringent on how "closed" portions of airports must be marked, especially runways. This affects even smaller airports (unless they are private) because even though the regular municipal users might know sections were closed they view it from the standpoint of a passing pilot looking to make an "emergency" landing being able to identify closed areas, you may even be required to have specified brightness strobes etc. on your vehicles. "Public" airports also have to notify the FAA in advance what & when something will be closed for this same reason so be sure everything is coordinated. (If you are not doing any runways or taxiways directly connected to the runways it probably won't be as bad on those things.) Basically as far as the striping everything needs to be "perfect" as far as straightness, dimensions of other markings, etc. If it's strictly a municipal job you may only have to comply with their standards for such things but if they have received any form of grant or federal money (even if it's part of overall airport improvements and the striping is just a small part) you will definitely be regulated by all the federal requirements. Since this is your first be sure to do all your homework. You sure don't want any "re-do's" on a job like this. If for no other reason than local pilots are probably some of the bigger businessmen in your area or associated with them so you need to be at your best as far as appearance, professionalism, and really looking like you know just what you are doing all the time. They WILL be watching. In my experience local pilots have a kind-of bond with the airport like it is "theirs" even though they may be just taking off & landing there.

I've only done T-hangars and taxi-ways. There's not enough margin for me to be interested in doing runway work. Too much liability especially if the runway has to be shut down. Usually there is a significant penalty for not having the work done in a very limited amount of time. Sometimes in the thousands of dollars. My hat is off to those who have the cohoonas (this where Chip got his name?) to take on the work. I don't have the nerve.

Lorne What is the length of the runway?

Lorne, I stripe the runways at Memphis International Airport. There are 4 runways that are 8,936ft, 9000ft, 9,320ft, and 11,120ft. The paint specs. must meet FAA requirements TT-P-1952D. You shouldn't have any problems with that. The Glass spheres (glass beads) are class 3. On concrete all markings must be bordered with black paint. On asphalt, no black border is required. However if the asphalt is oxidized, suggest bordering that too. Also, as Don mentioned be sure you know when you will have a runway closure. These closures are called windows, which to you means, a window of opportunity to paint. The airport should have X's to put on the runways. Make sure they will provide them. Also, check to see if flashing lights will be required on top of your vehicles if they will be on the runway. Airports will generally coordinate grass mowing, lighting inspection and general maintenance while there is a closure. When airports have closures they must file a NOTAM (notice to airman). The notam advises pilots that a runway will be closed when they file their flight plans from origination point. Unless you have a radio to talk with the tower (you won't) someone from the airport will be excorting you and keeping you and everyone else safe. If you would like to talk call me at [phone removed].

You go Rock!

Karma for you Rock! You and Ken have put your phone numbers in posts. You are better guys than me!

You can tell the Rock knows his airport markings. I have done some taxiway markings in the past and had forgotten how complicated it was when working airside at an airport....but it CAN be done!

Hey Guys, Thanks for all the input and support, that what makes this forum so great!! I actually bid on this contract last fall and just got the nod this week new budgets I guess. I managed to include the new paint costs before just before the directors met last week that was nice .(makes you feel like someones watching out for you) I will take your advice Rock and others too, and do some research over the weekend on a few items mentioned on the forum. Some times not knowing to much before you bid is good, after your in you have to make it work and working through all the regs. just takes time and patience. I met with the regional director to day and they are very flexible with our company and willing to accomodate us with scheduling as much as possible of course safety is number one so we are reviewing all aspects of the regulations before we begin. I've asked for two weeks before we do the the actual restripe, which we expect to do in a day or two max. LD

Click here to see what happens when you are working on a runway and someone forgets to issue a NOTAM http://www.strategypage.com/gallery/articles/military_pho…

I had to stripe a small municipal runway(2 runways). The contractor met us there and we all went inside to check in so they would close the one runway. The man, in charge of closing the runway, started to shoot the breeze with the contractor and when he was finished talking told all of us to go ahead. We set the transit up at one end and proceeded to put in our control mark's. I am halfway down the runway and I look up and this small plane is lining up and coming down to land!!! The contractor and one of my employee's have there back to the approaching plane. To get there attention to what is going on I start running from side to side of the runway and pointing up. They turn around and at the same time the plane pulls up!!!! "WHEW!!!" Mr. Talkalot forgot to close down the runway. That night i got a call from the airport boss and he wanted to know what happened. Luckily he knew the contactor and myself through other work experience's and belived us. Mr. Talkalot told them we went out there without checking in.

Great info