AvTurf - Synthetic Turf for Runways and Taxiways

AvTurf is at the forefront of synthetic turf technology, delivering enhanced airport safety with solutions to many of the most common challenges facing airport operators. Our proof of performance at airports throughout the world has set the standard of increased safety through the installation of synthetic turf products.

Pioneering research and development has continued to create a myriad of new applications and benefits. As the choice alternative for addressing hazards associated with natural airport groundcover, AvTurf's synthetic turf, also called AvTurf®, offers singular advantages.

Stabilization turf for runway and taxiway shoulders

The application of AvTurf synthetic turf stabilizes runway and taxiway shoulders, thus preventing the erosion of natural groundcover and the effects of jet blast. In safety areas, it creates a smooth surface, free of ruts, humps and irregularities that can damage vehicles and aircraft.

Prevention and collection of foreign object debris

Reducing the amount of foreign object debris (FOD) is critical to airfield operational safety, and the installation of AvTurf prevents the creation of FOD from jet blast. It also makes the collection of FOD easier, by providing a surface from which it is easily identified and removed.

Permeable water drainage membrane with filter

AvTurf synthetic turf consists of a permeable membrane that allows water to drain through natural percolation. The silica sand infill provides a natural filter that can drain water at up to 60gal/ft²/h. AvTurf has successfully tested installations specifically to substantiate this property.

Synthetic turf for runway safety areas and infield islands

Covering runway safety areas and infield islands with AvTurf creates a stable area for inadvertent entry by aircraft, minimizing the potential for damage to the aircraft undercarriage.

It also allows airport operations vehicles and emergency response equipment to move in these areas more easily and efficiently during all types of weather. This can reduce ARFF response times to airport incidents, where time is the critical factor.

Enhanced visual cues for taxiways and runways

Pavement delineation and visibility have become a critical runway safety factor. AvTurf significantly enhances the visual cues of taxiway and runway pavement to pilots on approach to landing and provides distinct visual delineation of taxiways during taxiing operations, especially during low visibility conditions and on complex routing surfaces.

The costs, scheduling and intensive labor aspects of routine maintenance associated with mowing and / or painting and marking of these areas are also eliminated.

Reduction of incursions and runway / taxiway closures

The use of AvTurf on the airfield minimizes the need for equipment and personnel to be in or around runway and taxiway safety areas. FAA Runway Safety Office recommendations and the regulatory requirements of 14 CFR Part 139 have highlighted the advantages of using synthetic turf. Reducing the need to enter into these areas with personnel and equipment significantly decreases the potential for an incursion.

In addition, runway and taxiway closures for maintenance are eliminated, and airport capacity remains intact, with no need for scheduling this type of work.

AvTurf does not provide appropriate habitat, nor does it encourage foraging, loafing or browsing of wildlife. The removal of food, water, and shelter discourages birds and animals from using it. Burrowing species cannot penetrate the synthetic turf backing, and the synthetic surface, with silica sand infill and our patented growth inhibitor, offers only a sterile environment.

FAA-approved synthetic groundcover system

Historically, AvTurf has been at the cutting edge, completing the first installation of its kind at Chicago’s Midway Airport in December 2000. AvTurf is a revolutionary product and is now installed at more than ten airports worldwide. As the alternative of choice, it has set many of the industry standards by constructing and implementing rigorous testing procedures, and AvTurf’s acceptance by the FAA marked a milestone in product development and application.

The AvTurf synthetic groundcover system for airports offers three patented products available for installation at commercial, general aviation and military installations. Both traditional concrete and asphalt-based applications, primarily used in runway and taxiway safety areas, and AvTurf’s new glue-down application for paved surfaces that are converted to islands or no-load shoulders, can meet the challenges of today’s airports.

AvTurf also created the first and only artificial turf runway in Calhan, Colorado.

AvTurf is available both domestically and in the international marketplace. Worldwide, we have become the leading name in synthetic turf for aviation applications.