Airports clear runways using a coordinated fleet of specialized vehicles.
Here's a breakdown of the process for clearing snow from runways, based on the provided reference:
- Vehicle Formation: A formation of 15-23 vehicles works together.
- Equipment Types: This formation includes:
- Plows
- Brooms
- Blowers
- De-icers
- Sanders
- Process: These vehicles work in sequence to remove snow and ice.
- Friction Testing: A surface friction testing car follows the clearing line. This car travels at 40 mph and lowers a fifth wheel to test the runway's safety. This test determines if the runway offers sufficient friction for aircraft operations.
In summary, airports use a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to clear runways, involving specialized vehicles and rigorous testing to ensure safety.
