Glass Beads and Good Housekeeping

An interesting development arose late last year regarding glass beads and the potential they present as FOD (Foreign Object Debris) that can get ingested into jet engines. Although it's still uncertain as to what damage may have been caused, if any, it certainly has caused the industry to be concerned about possible liability on airports for poor glass bead application and good housekeeping procedures. I've heard some say, "Just stop using glass beads!", but the safety value that they provide for nighttime visibility is too important to stop using them. Those involved in applying markings to airfields need to begin a program of sweeping after the application of fresh markings on the runways and taxiways to pick up the majority of those loose beads that fall on the pavement instead of in the paint. No doubt, it will add some cost to the process of marking, but it might prevent another, much more expensive problem! More on this issue as things develop.