Airport Durable Pavement Markings / Surface Hold Position Sign Markings / Airfield Markings

Company AirMark by Ennis-Flint
Date 02.11.2010

Thomasville, N.C. Pavement markings are a critical element of airfield safety management to help reduce runway incursions and vehicle pedestrian deviations. New FAA requirements for multi-colored surface signage and delineation markings present installation and maintenance challenges using traditional application methods and materials. On June 6, 2008, the FAA issued Change 2 to AC 150/5340-1J which clarifies the requirement for enhanced taxiway centerline markings and surface painted holding position markings at Part 139 airports.

Individuals responsible for the installation and maintenance of pavement markings must find balance among safety, value and product performance.

The key challenges include but are not limited to

  1. runway closures due to frequency of repainting;
  2. costly mobilization;
  3. life-cycle costs;
  4. safety management;
  5. durability;
  6. workmanship and quality control.

        
Flint Trading, Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer and distributor of durable preformed thermoplastic pavement markings, provides a sensible solution that complements pavement marking programs with their airfield product, AirMark®.

Following extensive FAA testing and applications in 7 of 9 FAA regions, AirMark® is now included in the AC 150/5370-10E. AirMark® is a specially formulated preformed thermoplastic engineered for use on taxiways, ramps, aprons, gates, and vehicle roadways as well as other areas on the airfield side excluding runways. The application advantages and value of AirMark® are pronounced in multi-colored markings that are typically time and labor intensive when using other marking materials. AirMark® is supplied in rolls of interconnected material that is quickly positioned onto an asphalt or concrete pavement surface and heated with a large heater. Retroreflective glass beads intermixed throughout the material provides nighttime visibility for pilots and ground support drivers.

Regarding life-cycle performance and value, Chris Brooks, Vice President of Specialized Markets at Flint Trading, explains, “While the initial material cost compared to paint is much higher, the long- term savings of using durable preformed thermoplastic is realized when additional expenses related to mobilization, runway closures, and administrative costs are factored in every time the markings are repainted, which is at least once or twice per year.” Brooks adds, “AirMark can last 8 to 12 times longer than paint.”  

Applications are performed only by AirMark® Certified Applicators who are active in the airfield marking industry and are committed to the highest level of service and support.

Headquartered in Thomasville, North Carolina, Flint Trading manufactures and distributes a complete line of preformed thermoplastic pavement marking products that are used in all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico. These products are made at our own U.S. facility which is ISO 9001:2008 certified for design, development, and manufacturing. Flint’s commitment is reflected in proven quality and customer satisfaction for over 22 years. In addition to pavement markings for airfields, Flint offers pavement markings for use on streets and highways, crosswalks, intersections, and parking areas, and many landside uses at airports. From lines, legends, and arrows to decorative crosswalks and detectable warnings, Flint’s products help motorists, pilots, and pedestrians move in the right direction…safely.

Contact

AirMark
Ennis-Flint
115 Todd Court
Thomasville
North Carolina
United States
27360
  • (336) 475-6600