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Glass Beads @ GA Airport
During a recent runway resurfacing project at our GA airport, the topic of glass beads came up. It is not a Part 139 airport and we can not seem to find any guidlines for the use of glass beads in writing. I think that we would be wise to utilize them from a pure safety and liability standpoint. However, I was hoping to find something in writing from the FAA stating that they are required or recommended for GA airports. Any information you all can provide will be greatly appreciated.
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- Aviationism Airport Operations & Maintenance Supervisor at Dayton International Airport. Previously worked at:...
- Member since 06/19/11
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Log in to leave a comment or Create an accountI agree that the glass beads are a binding agent to help the longevity of your paint. I think the most important part we are all missing is that the beads are an added agent to enhance safety on your airfield. Even if you are not required to utilize them, it is often found that airfields still use them to enhance the night vision for the pilots and ground personell. Type I beads do significantly show when light hits them at night, nt type III beads are much mre visible. SAFETY is our main concern in this industry, so anything that helps should not be omitted.
Question for you would be, does your airport accept any federal funds for any projects? If so then under Grants and Assurances you would be required to follow FAA guidance for airfield markings. If not, then using using the glass beads coyuld be optional.
Aviationism,
I agree with both mcwops and Betsy. The AC guidance literature are suggested minimum standards, required for Part 139 airports, recommended guidance for non-139 airports. Glass beads (when properly applied) not only provide enhanced visibility and distance recognition, but increase the durability and expected life of waterborne paint. The use of glass beads is a best practice.
I have sent an email repeating your question to the gentlemen responsible for writing the FAA guidance literature on this subject and will let you know what I hear back from them.
Sincerely,
Mike Speidel
Most A/Cs, including AAC 150/5340-1K for Markings, Signs, and Lighting, apply to all airports. They are considered requirements for 139 airports, but only are recommended for non-139 airports. That being said, the difference between reflective markings and unreflective is night and day. Just imagine if an incident did occur and markings were part of the cause, trying to explain to a lawyer or jury why you did not follow the FAA's recommendations.
The glass beads will not only enhance safety, but will extend the life of your paint, up to 5x. Painting is a chore, so adding glass beads will increase the durability of the paint. Please let me know if you have any further questions about markings, paint and/or glass beads as I'd be happy to help. Look at the before and after photo which demonstrates the difference. This was Type III glass fyi
Betsy
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