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    By commissioning the Airfield Marking Handbook, the FAA made a move toward changing the industry standard ("a common, agreed upon way of doing things") for airport markings. It only took a few incidents involving poor application of markings to raise awareness of the potential problems that can arise from repeating poor practices.

    What is the renewed aim for the industry? Safety. Markings are a key element in highway safety, and the FAA is striving to improve airfield safety through markings. New designs, better materials, and better procedures have been developed to answer the call.

    Another word for the industry? Liability. That one makes us sit up and take notice. But that's reactive. And that's why "raising the bar" for the airfield marking industry is important.

    Markings are the most economical way to enhance safety. But they can be applied well or they can be applied poorly. Performance criteria need to be implemented, training of marking applicators must be arranged, and enforcement of well-defined specifications must be practiced. The old saying goes, "If you always do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got."

    The current industry standard includes poor practices; it's time to change the standard. The onus falls on every airport staff to adopt a proactive attitude. They are the catalyst that will dictate change to consultants, operations, maintenance, and contractors, effectively creating new industry standards.

    The Airfield Marking Handbook is a step in the right direction. Now the industry must decide to take that step, be proactive, adopt a higher industry standard, and in the process, minimize potential liability and improve safety.

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