97th CES saves bucks, clears runway friction

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Franklin R. Ramos
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The 97th Civil Engineer Squadron heavy repair shop removed rubber buildup from aircraft tires during takeoffs and landings on the assault strip runway, April 14, and saved money in the process.

With a cost-conscious culture in mind, the 97th CES heavy repair shop saved the base $47,000 in contracting costs. They poured Avion50 detergent on the rubber to dissolve its bonding and used water to liquefy the material.

"Every time the planes land, as soon as their tires hit the ground on the runway it leaves rubber behind like a burnout," said Staff Sgt. Carl Perkins, 97th CES heavy repair shop pavements and equipment craftsman. "So we go out there and put down Avion50 that breaks up the rubber compound so we can sweep it all off the runway making a clean surface for the aircraft."

Friction tests are conducted annually to identify hazards on the runway.

"We can't fly or land the planes when there is too much rubber build up. Without the rubber getting removed, flying operations comes to a halt," Perkins said.

It took a total of eight hours to remove hazardous rubber buildup on the assault strip.

"It's just another part of our job. It's something we do to keep the mission going," said Senior Airman Joshua Bynum 97th CES heavy repair shop pavements and equipment engineer. "Even small tasks can be a big thing when you have to do each little step, and even though you are out there on a Sunday it's just something you've got to do to keep the mission going."