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    If you've ever traveled with me in a plane, you'll probably remember touching down most prominently. That's because you witnessed me pressing my face up against the window to get a brief look at the markings on the runway! Sometimes what I see out there makes me proud of the airport. Other times I cry myself to sleep that night! I do that too often.

    Sightline personnel notice things about markings that many others do not. It's not that we have special powers; it's more like an obsession. What we've learned is that many airports have markings that are difficult to see when they're needed the most: during darkness or during periods of low visibility. The most common reason for reduced marking effectiveness is in the details of applying the materials to the pavement, either by contractors or by airport personnel. We witnessed a lot of application issues during our research for the Airfield Marking Handbook. The issues have been there for a long time; we just defined them.

    The FAA Call to Action in reducing runway incursions includes initiatives to enhance the markings on airfields, to make them more conspicuous, and thus improve safety. It is a noble goal. However, let us not delude ourselves by thinking that more is better. Think quality over quantity: many dysfunctional markings are not as helpful as a few functioning well. Closer attention to application methods is vital to realize the desired impact. Audits of existing markings on many airports demonstrate poor nighttime visibility, old marking materials breaking apart into FOD, and markings that are out of FAA tolerances; and all are risk indicators.

    The FAA and many others dedicated to improving safety are working on safety management systems at airports. Every imaginable function within an airport's operation is being identified, assessed, dissected, and fixed, if necessary. Remember the markings. Sightline has developed criteria for analyzing their effectiveness; and an audit will identify areas of concern and provide recommendations for improvement. Don't assume markings are working; get a professional opinion.

    There are many things airports must do for safety. Airfield markings have the potential to make a significant contribution to that goal. Sightline helps you take the marking element out of your gap analysis.

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