Back to Webletter

    It is truly amazing how rumors can circulate faster than NCAA brackets during March Madness. Recently at an international airport conference, I was asked repeatedly about the glass beads we were advocating for use on airports. When I insisted they are a vital part of the entire system of applying airfield markings, the concern about the glass beads being ingested into jet engines a couple of years ago was still an issue for everyone else in the world. Rumor has it that the $500 million lawsuit was ongoing and that real damage had occurred in the jet engines.

    I explained to the few who were listening that the suit had been settled for less than 10% of that amount, that there was no detectable damage to the jet engines, and that the airfield in question was the only one in the world that was still under scrutiny whenever they applied airfield markings. So to set the record straight, glass beads are still a valuable component in airfield markings; they add structure and longevity to the marking, as well as provide excellent visibility (when applied properly) for nighttime operations. Incidentally, blasting glass beads (about the consistency of baking powder) are used to clean the turbines and other parts of jet engines when they are being serviced.

    I hope this helps to dispel the rumor!

Back to Webletter