ACRP Problem No. 12-09-09

Guidebook for Designing, Managing, and Maintaining Turf

Airfields

ACRP Staff Comments: Recommend increasing funding to $250,000.

TRB Aviation Group Committees Comments: AIRCRAFT/AIRPORT COMPATIBILITY

CMTE - Development of a design specification for turf airfields (sodding, undersodding,

drainage, soil stabilization, etc.) has some value. Airfield geometries for turf facilities will not be

any different than the specs for GA airports contained in AC150/5300-13. Design specifications

may be dependent on local conditions, which may make it hard to prescribe in a handbook.

Review Panel Comments: Not recommended — There are no FAA standards for designing

turf airfields; however, the number of turf airfields is decreasing. This problem statement,

therefore, has limited value.

AOC Disposition: No funds allocated. No discussion.

ACRP Problem Statement Submission March 2011

AACCRRPP Problem Number: 12-09-09

I. PROBLEM TITLE

Guidebook for Designing, Managing, and Maintaining Turf Airfields

II. RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT

Turf Runways make up more than half of all runways in the United States, supporting a network of general aviation airports across the country. Currently, there are no specific references in Advisory Circular 150/5300-13, “Airport Design,” for turf airfields.

Turf airfields generally mimic the same standards as paved airfields regarding safety areas and dimensions.

However, turf airfields require more mowing and maintenance, and are greatly affected by precipitation and groundwater. A guidebook for the construction of a turf runway would be helpful for airports looking to build a new runway or rehabilitate a problematic turf runway.

Turf airfield maintenance depends on geographic location, type of turf, and climate. A guidebook for the

maintenance of the airport turf would enable airports to develop best management practices for their unique situations.

III. OBJECTIVE The objective is to produce a guidebook that outlines (1) design specifications for turf runways, including

sub-grade materials, grass species, and airport layout, (2) best management practices for the airport, including controlling what type of aircraft use the airport, and (3) maintenance procedures and practices for turf surfaces.

IV. RESEARCH PROPOSED The research would investigate design specifications for turf airfields such as sub-grade materials, grass

species, and airport layout. It would also determine best management practices for turf airfields to include procedures to control or modify aircraft activity at the airport as airfield conditions dictate. Finally, the guidebook would specify maintenance procedures and practices for turf airfields.

V. ESTIMATE OF THE PROBLEM FUNDING AND RESEARCH PERIOD The research costs might range from $100,000-$150,000. The research effort could be in approximately 9 months to research, evaluate, and produce an initial report,

and with 3 months of review and revision, 12 months should be sufficient time to create a guidebook. VI. URGENCY AND PAYOFF POTENTIAL Benefits of a guidebook for turf airfields include improved operational safety and improved maintenance

efficiency.

Is this research idea in the FY 2011

Emphasis Area?

Maintenance & Operations

Yes No X

2

VII. RELATED RESEARCH Masters of Aeronautical Science student William A. Tuccio completed a study titled, “A Comparison of

Turf Management Practices at Turf Runway Airports in the Southeast” in 2007. Also, the FAA VIII. PERSON(S) DEVELOPING THE PROBLEM Tricia L. Schoeneck Lambert NHDOT, Bureau of Aeronautics P.O. Box 483 Concord, NH 03302-0483 P: (603) 271-2552 F: (603) 271-1689 E: tlambert@dot.state.nh.us IX. PROCESS USED TO DEVELOP PROBLEM STATEMENT Informal group effort within New Hampshire Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aeronautics. X. DATE AND SUBMITTED BY Submitted by Tricia L. Schoeneck Lambert on March 2, 2011.