Air FieldTurf Artificial Grass Systems for Airports: FAQs

Why is Air FieldTurf Better Than Traditional Natural Grass Systems?

Unlike FieldTurf synthetic turf systems, natural grass can cause:

• Inhibited access for rescue and fire fighting
• An unstable taxiway, shoulders and runway
• Blurred visual contrast
• Complicated wildlife control

What Are the Advantages of Installing an Air FieldTurf Synthetic Turf System at an Airport?

• Runway and taxiway shoulders are stablized to reduce potentially grave safety hazards and high costs associated with aircraft veer-off and immobilization.
• Improved contrast between runways and surroundings enhances visualization for pilots.
• Migration of foreign object debris (FOD) and contaminants from unpaved areas onto runway/taxiway surfaces is contained, reducing the risk of damage.
• AGAT™ removes traditional sources of food, water and shelter to allow non-lethal control of wildlife and reduce potential birdstrike hazards.
• The need to close operational areas for mowing and maintenance is avoided, improving overall airport operational safety by limiting movement of personnel and equipment in these areas.
• ARFF response times are improved since vehicles can traverse AGAT™ surfaces during inclement weather without becoming mired in soft soil.

Does FieldTurf Meet Federally Mandated Performance Standards?

Absolutely. FieldTurf complies with all federal design requirements and material characteristics.

Design Requirements

• Jet Blast
• Load Bearing Capacity
• Drainage  
• Skid Resistance
• Durability (Erosion)
• Infill

Material Characteristics

• Flammability
• Chemical Resistance
• Ultraviolet Ray Resistance
• Wildlife Control

Who Makes Air FieldTurf?

Patented Air FieldTurf is made by FieldTurf USA.  FieldTurf is a synthetic turf system that looks, feels and performs like natural grass, not carpet. 

Development included years of trials, tests, samples, equipment innovations and advanced formulas. The goal was to develop an artificial grass and turf system that combines the performance properties of natural grass with the benefits of a synthetic solution.

Today, we enjoy a leadership position with over 60% of the marketplace.  Our clients include the vast majority of professional sports teams and high-profile airports, golf courses and private and public lawns. FieldTurf USA is the only company in the industry that manufactures its own turf and certifies its network of distributors and installers.  There is no comparison on quality control.

When Did FieldTurf First Appear on the Market?

FieldTurf began in the sport surfacing industry in 1988 with the manufacture of NovaCourt, a synthetic grass for tennis courts, and NovaTee, a synthetic surface used to minimize wear and tear around golf practice tees.

Based on continuing needs to replicate real grass for diverse applications, we began developing synthetic turf surfaces for other sports installations including soccer, lacrosse, football and baseball.

At last, FieldTurf perfected a synthetic turf system approved for installation by the FAA, designed to replace traditional ground cover and improve airfield safety.

What Other Airports Have Installed a FieldTurf Synthetic Turf System?

 There are 1,800 FAA-approved Air FieldTurf installations worldwide, including:

• Boston Logan International Airport (US)
• Honolulu International Airport  
• San Francisco International Airport  
• MCAS Miramar, U.S. Marine Corps’ Air Station 
• Ocean City GAA  
• Hong Kong International Airport

What Kind of Return on Investment Can I Expect from FieldTurf?

When all the qualitative and quantitative benefits of Air FieldTurf are considered, most clients can expect a recovery on the initial investment in as little as 3 years.

What’s Involved in the Installation Process?

It depends on the geometry and size of your area, along with the access to secure areas. Generally, Air Fieldturf is installed during non-operating periods at night to minimize any economic impact. For more details relevant to your airport project, simply contact a representative at 1-800-724-2969.