Runway Markers where can you get them?

[Kyle Communications]

I have been searching the net looking for runway markers without a lot of success to what I want. I have 2 of 400mtr long strips at my farm and I want to mark the sides of both. The main reason is we are not there all the time and its a pain trying to slash the runways after a few weeks and the grass has grown so I cant see the mowing lines. I had a dozer run the blade over to make them reasonably smooth and it would be nice to just go out and mow them without getting on and off the tractor all the time looking for the nice smooth areas.

 

What I was looking for was not cones but more like white or yellow any colour really. I would like round dish type covers. Sort of like a plough disc and turned over so the round part is the top. This way if you go off the runway you wont hit anything with the prop and also they wont get blown around if they were metal but they can be anchored of course.

 

Has anyone seen anything like these...fibreglass would be ok as well I just dont want plastic as they would deteriorate in the sun.

 

I would maybe put them every 40 mtrs or so on each side so would need about 40 of them

 

Mark

 

 

[FlyingVizsla]

Most strips use old tyres painted white (or your choice of hue if you feel inclined). Drill a few holes in the bottom to let the water drain. Ask your local council as they usually have a pit full of old tyres at the dump, or your local tyre fitter who usually pays to have them removed. Other purpose built things are available through various outlets. See the Aviation Trader - ask anyone listing windsocks, markers etc. You can get frangible fittings (they break off if you collide with them). The advantage of something up a bit is it can still be seen above the long grass. You can get cones or triangles with reflective tape - CASA won't approve them for night use without supplemental lights, but they could be useful in long grass. An application of Gylysophate ("RoundUp") from time to time will save you having to mow right up to the markers - in my experience this is what damages them - the slasher doesn't see them. If you can't find what you are after I will have a look later - a bit busy right now.

 

Sue

 

 

[Kyle Communications]

Hi Sue

 

Thanks for the response. I had thought of old tyres but was just a bit concerned that if you hit one on landing if you go a bit off the strip depending on the wind conditions it wouldn't be too good hitting a tyre. I wanted something that could be run over without doing any damage to the aircraft. When we go to Wangaratta each year to fly our RC model turbine aircraft we take over the runway for 3 days and they have these sort of upturned discs there. They appear to be fibreglass and would be just perfect. Maybe they were made specially for the Wangaratta council or something. The markers wont actually be on the runway maybe 500mm from the actual edges. The runways are 3 dozer blades wide about 12 mtrs so not the widest around but plenty for a Sav or other RAA aircraft but as its on a bit of a rise and if there was a crosswind you could drift a little off the runway and if it was a tyre you could do some damage. Dont have to many pics of the Wang jet events mainly video so will see if I have them on either media

 

Mark

 

 

[Kyle Communications]

Hi ignition

 

I found those guys while searching but they only have large cones they stand too high for what I was looking for

 

Mark

 

 

[icebob]

Hi,

 

Have you thought of the plastic lids from 20lt drums, like the ones for bulk paint? They are good, just drill a hole in the centre and stake them down, can be lifted to cut the grass. We used them all the time they last about three years.

 

Bob.

 

 

[Guest aussie carl]

Mark. They are plough discs you are refering to. We use them at our RC field here in Coffs.

 

about 500mm dia and about 5kg each.

 

I grit blasted ours and had them painted 2 pack. Use a metal hook to move them when mowing just incase there are carnies or spiners underneath.

 

I am sure if you put the word out local to you, you will get some old discs soon enough.

 

 

[Guest ozzie]

I found a good tip for using old tyres some time back. Cut them on one side from the bead across the wall and down the face to the other wall. Do this in quarters (4 )cuts. Bury the tyre half way with the cuts up. If you hit one, the aircrafts wheel will not pick up the tyre and less chance of damaging spats or ground looping.

 

ozzie

 

 

[Yenn]

Conveyor belting is good stuff, especially if painted. We run the mower straight over them. At the moment the Gladstone Port has a heap of the stuff to get rid of, but I am told it comes in rolls so big you need a low loader to move them. we were offered some but transport costs killed it, although I think on of our local pilots can cut off what he needs at work.