Airstrip Maintenance

Your failure to do this could result in a tragedy

There are in excess of 600 landing strips in the RFDS (Western Operations) network,

You can help us by following these guidelines:

Grass surfaces should have the strip width slashed on a regular basis and cleared of any saplings, fallen logs or ant and termite mounds. Remember to trim around strip edge cone markers or white painted tyres used as strip markers so they are clearly visible to the pilot.

Gravel/clay surfaces should be clear of ruts, undulations, large rocks, ant and termite mounds and where possible regularly graded to remove livestock hoof prints and tyre ruts, especially after heavy rain.

The immediate 15 metres either side of the strip surface should be cleared of any obstacles including ant hills, tree stumps, large rocks or stones and fencing wire, to ensure minimal damage to the aircraft should it run off the strip during landing or take off.

The presence of holes, cracks and ruts will degrade the aircraft's performance and handling and will increase the possibility of structural damage. The smoothness of the surface can be tested by driving a fullen laden 3 tonne vehicle along the runway at a speed of 80 kph. If this is accomplished without discomfort to the occupants, the surface can be considered satisfactory.

Approach and take off areas

At either end of the landing site, the approach and take off areas should include of an area of 900 metres which is clear of objects including fences, trees, saplings and windmills above a slope of 3.3%. This means that a tree 100 metres from the strip end must not be any higher than 3.3 metres. Any obstacle in the approach of take off areas reduces the length available for landing and take off.

Strip width and obstacle clear approach areas are to comply with the diagram under Airstrip construction.

Airstrip Markings

Strip Marker

Strip markers assist the pilot in identifying where it is safe to land. Specially made fiberglass cone markers are the best however tractor or truck tyres painted white are sufficient. Cone markers or tyres should be placed at 90 metre intervals along the edges of the landing strip which is 45 metres wide.
If white painted tyres are used, ensure they are clearly visible because collision with them will damage the aircraft.

Click here for details of known suppliers of Cones and Markers. 

Wind Indicators

Pilots must be able to identify the wind direction and a wind sock is the best method. In emergencies when no wind sock is available, other means such as a specially prepared and contained smoke fire can be used.

Click here for details of known suppliers of Wind Indicators.

Fencing

Livestock and wild animals are extremely dangerous to aircraft, especially at night where it is difficult for the pilot to see them. They cause considerable damage to the strip surface particularly during heavy rain where their hoofs leave large indents and ruts. It is preferable that your strip is completely fenced to prevent livestock from wandering onto the surface during landing or take off.

If the airstrip is not fenced, clearing of the strip and surrounding area is essential, as is communication with the pilot on UHF Channel 5 or a prearranged discrete frequency to alert them to the possibility of any danger with livestock or wild life.

Last Updated: 16/08/2007