Airports use specialized vehicles to clear snow, ensuring safe runway conditions for aircraft. These vehicles are not ordinary, and some travel at high speeds to clear runways efficiently.
Airport Snow Removal Methods
Airport snow removal involves a combination of techniques and specialized equipment to keep runways, taxiways, and aprons operational during winter weather. Here’s a detailed look at the process:
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High-Speed Plows:
- Specialized vehicles, like the one mentioned in the video, travel up to 40 mph down the runway.
- These vehicles are equipped with large plows designed to efficiently remove snow.
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Brushing:
- Some vehicles use large rotating brushes to sweep away remaining snow and ice.
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De-Icing and Anti-Icing:
- Chemical de-icers are applied to melt existing ice and snow.
- Anti-icing fluids are used to prevent new snow and ice from bonding to the pavement.
- These chemicals can be in solid or liquid form.
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Friction Measurement
- Airports will also take friction readings to confirm that the runway is safe for use.
- This process is done with a special vehicle that gathers information using a fifth wheel with an aircraft tire.
Specialized Vehicles
The key to effective airport snow removal is the use of specialized vehicles which are unlike regular road vehicles:
- High-Speed Plows: These are not typical plows but large, purpose-built machines.
- Runway Sweepers: Equipped with large rotating brushes, they clean the surface after plowing.
- De-Icing Trucks: Dispense chemical solutions evenly across the pavement.
- Friction Testing Vehicles: Ensure the runway surface provides adequate grip.
| Equipment | Function |
|---|---|
| High-Speed Plows | Quickly remove large amounts of snow from runways. |
| Runway Sweepers | Clean residual snow and ice after plowing. |
| De-Icing Trucks | Apply de-icing solutions to melt ice. |
| Friction Testing Vehicles | Measure the runway’s surface friction to ensure safety. |
Airports prioritize snow removal on runways and taxiways because these areas are essential for the safe movement of aircraft.
