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    In the aviation industry, there doesn't seem to be much information sharing when it comes to technology. We've visited several airports and while they are all directed by the same FAA guidelines, they each have unique perspectives and issues to deal with day-to-day. While that may be for good reasons, the technology we all must use to maintain markings remains relatively static. When technology is updated, some choose to adopt it, others do not. Then again, some are unaware better options exist, or why there is value associated with them. It's the season of sharing, so here's an update on material components.

    The Type 3 Airport Bead's specification has been modified in the AC 150/5370-10C (Part 620). The material coverage rate was changed from 12 lbs/gal of waterborne paint to 10 lbs/gal. This is a pretty big deal, because we all know how expensive those babies are. Make sure that your engineer, manager, consultant, paint crew, etc., knows about the modification - if they were trained by Sightline, they would already have been informed! I'm shameless.

    In addition to Type 1 and 2, a new waterborne paint has been added to your arsenal of material options. It's a high-build 100% cross-linking acrylic resin. En Ingles, por favor? It means it's a more durable marking that can be applied at a greater mil thickness. It is a potential solution for operations using the larger Type 4 glass beads - I wrote an article last season about this very subject: read it now?

    A Rohm and Haas formulation that allows application during low temperature weather conditions. The XSR, or eXtended Seasonal Range, waterborne coating can be useful when the weather is uncooperative with painting operations. Instead of striping regardless of temperature only to end up with paint failure, this relatively new technology might be a solution in those situations. To find out more, follow this link.

    I do hope that this was informative. I'm trying to start a network through the industry channels in order to share ideas and information that would make all of our jobs easier. In the near future our equipment guru, Tom Walmer, will write us an article about some common issues that he encounters with his striping equipment. If you have specific questions about materials or your own equipment - I'll do my best to help find a solution! Send Mike mail!

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