Back to Webletter

    The weather was foggy that early morning before dawn; and it was hard enough to see the ground crew working around the airplane. The pilot didn't think it would be difficult to find the runway; but it was. The plane lined up on the wrong runway and took off. Was there too much going on in the cockpit, or was focus lost on a personal matter? Maybe it had something to do with the construction on the taxiways; maybe the markings were hard to see under those conditions. Whatever caused the confusion, people were killed; and everyone searches after-the-fact for answers.

    Anyone who travels by air assumes that the safety criteria for operating an airport are being followed. But one that is often overlooked, usually because there are "more important" things to look at, is the marking component. Or, even more likely, it is overlooked, because few actually know what to look for! See if you can pick out what is wrong with the pictures below.

    These pictures illustrate what we have been seeing at several airports and seem to pass the inspections without much notice. They degrade slowly, over time. And since changes are gradual, those charged with their maintenance either (1) paint them every "X" weeks/months/years, whether they need it or not; or (2) are not equipped with the proper tools to make judgements about their condition.

    Are these pictures just pointing out trivial details that no one cares about? I don't think so. In fact, during our research we have found that these errors are likely resulting from an absence of fundamental training, not because airport crews are apathetic towards markings! Our interviews with maintenance staff are revealing that most would appreciate formal training specific to markings. Let's face it - the resources on airfield pavement markings are scarce - Sightline is changing that. However, the onus falls on the airports to make sure their markings are up to snuff; and that starts with the paint crews. My father always told me that anything worth doing is worth doing right! With training, the inspectors, the operators, and the maintenance staff, even the contractors, can learn what to look for and how to maintain a higher standard. "Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime."

    As an industry, we need to do everything in our power to convey the proper messages to pilots and drivers navigating our airfields. Pilots know what to look for and appreciate when marking systems are designed and maintained well. It should be mandatory that every airport makes sure they see them for the benefit and safety of all who travel by air. It's worth doing, let's do it right.

Back to Webletter