De-icing of runways

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golf1411
Posts: 231
Joined: 29 May 2003, 00:00
Location: 1981 Hofstade

De-icing of runways

Post by golf1411 »

Is it possible to use regular salt on runways, taxiways or aircraft stands?

I know it would be corrosive but is it really prohibited to use regular salt on an airfield?

Thx :)

Homo Aeroportus
Posts: 1489
Joined: 24 Feb 2007, 18:28
Location: 2300NM due South of North Pole

Re: De-icing of runways

Post by Homo Aeroportus »

Salt is definitely a No-Go for the reason you mentioned : corrosion.

Mind you at some Air Force Base in the Gulf region, where some pilots perform very low flights, their go through a wash bay after landing (the aircraft I mean, not the pilot alone).
This includes a line of nozzles installed in the pavement and that spit upwards to rinse the belly.

So no salt please. It's no healthy. ;)

H.A.

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KriVa
Posts: 1417
Joined: 31 Mar 2010, 20:15

Re: De-icing of runways

Post by KriVa »

Actually, there's no reason to go looking as far as the Gulf for that kind of procedure. The helicopters used at EBFN (Koksijde AFB) for SAR missions also get a thorough wash after flying low over the sea. The salt, projected upwards by the rotor wash, is not exactly good for the lifespan of the helicopters. This is also done at other SAR bases around the world.
Thomas

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