“Your team did an excellent job removing and cleaning lines at the demo – especially cleaning rubber on the runway white edge line, as I measured retro before they cleaned and after.”
Overview
Due to our strong background in pavement marking removal and specific expertise in airport marking removal, A&A Safety was called upon to exhibit best practices at the Airfield Marking Symposium training certification held at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). The symposium was designed to educate Airport Marking Professionals (AMPs) on meeting and exceeding airfield marking standards. The AMP curriculum incorporated industry standards based on the latest FAA guidance and the Airfield Marking Handbook. The symposium also showcased advanced equipment used in airfield marking, demonstrating best practices such as marking cleaning and removal, the use of airless paint equipment, paint and glass bead application and calibration, stencil use, preformed thermoplastic installation, and retro-reflectivity testing.
A&A Safety Demonstrates Advanced Techniques
A&A Safety was asked to demonstrate advanced pavement marking removal and cleaning techniques. Using one of our Stripe Hog water blasting trucks, the A&A Safety team efficiently removed runway markings and cleaned existing lines to ensure proper adhesion of new markings.
Manufactured by Hog Technologies, the Stripe Hog enhances our capabilities in this specialized area. The demonstration offered a valuable opportunity to showcase our expertise and services in airfield maintenance and marking solutions.
Challenges
Airport marking maintenance includes a number of challenges, such as:
- Safety & Compliance – Prior markings must be completely removed to avoid visual confusion while taxiing or during takeoffs and landings.
- Cleanliness – Debris that is not removed properly can be ingested into airplane engines, creating a significant safety risk.
- Proper Equipment Specialized equipment is often required for the sensitive nature of airport marking removal. Knowing how to use superior equipment like the Stripe Hog is essential.
- Technique and Process – Although having the proper equipment is a requirement, meeting and exceeding airport standards comes down to effective techniques.
Results
A&A Safety’s demonstration was a key learning opportunity for the pavement marking professionals who attended. Not only was A&A’s superior expertise evident to the naked eye, but also using a Mobile Retroreflectometer.
Impact of Marking Removal by A&A Safety
Mobile Retroreflectometer Reading
Before Removal
66 MCD Average
After Removal
330 MCD Average
Since the MCD average indicates the level of retroreflectivity, with higher values representing improved visibility and safety, this is an excellent result.
Conclusion
A&A Safety offers superior quality for all aspects of pavement marking removal, including the intricate and specialized areas of airport marking removal. With direct expertise using high-quality equipment like the Stripe Hog, A&A Safety is an authority in marking removal process and technique throughout Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and the greater mid-west region.