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Enhanced Taxiways For All?By Mike Speidel
What I understand is that the FAA sent out a letter to every certificated airport requesting their opinion on this matter. In addition to this action, they accelerated the timetable for the large and medium airports in the nation to have their marking enhancements in place. The deadline, if you will, was originally June 30, 2008, but all airports affected have committed to completing installation as soon as possible. Sightline President, Donna Speidel, is currently overseeing the enhancements at one of these airports. It seems that a lot of these enhanced markings are going to be installed on airfield pavements everywhere, so I'm calling on the Don for some of her expert advice. Here's what she recommends after going through the process herself:
"This is likely the case almost everywhere these new enhanced markings will be installed. There will be several layers of paint already on the holding position markings, due to the high level of maintenance these areas demand. While investing in the improvements, take the time to do them better so they will last longer. Use of type 3 beads over the type 4 would be preferrable as they will be brighter longer, meaning less maintenance cycles... just make sure it's done right the first time." "Get a professional opinion about the condition of the current markings before the project goes out for bid; and then incorporate the recommendations into the scope of work. That way, the airport gets exactly what it is paying for, so long as all the quality control measures are in place. When writing the specs for the job, it is my suggestion that the enhancements are bid on per each, as opposed to by the square foot, as the time it takes to complete just one can be quite lengthy." - Donna Speidel
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From a recent 
"Installing the taxiway enhancements and surface painted signs was going to be relatively easy. All the contractor had
to do was use low-pressure waterblasting to prepare the existing markings, layout the taxiway centerline enhancements and paint. The
surface painted signs that were there were not installed properly, so removal of over 150 of those was already in the scope of work. But
when the surface preparation of the holding position markings began, the markings started coming up wholesale; not surprising, given the
many coats layered on top of each other. The concerns were presented to the appropriate airport personnel with the suggestion the
preparation be converted to removal in those areas. They agreed. Work proceeded, things looked good; and now that some had been
removed, laid out and installed, the airport decided to remove all of them, knowing they'll get a far better product that will last."
