For remote communities and mining operations, gravel runways serve as lifelines, bringing essential and otherwise inaccessible resources. The isolated nature of these small airstrips poses unique challenges for the engineers and managers tasked with maintaining the runways — chief among them, the problem of sourcing the materials needed to keep them operational.
5 Alaskan Villages that Need Gravel Runways to Survive
Remote locations often depend on small airplanes for travel and supplies, with gravel runways making up the predominant airport infrastructure. Here are five Alaskan communities that are connected to the world by stable, gravel runways.
The History of the Runway
Most people know the origin story of the airplane — the Wright brothers, Kitty Hawk, and the rest. But do you know anything about the history of the runways that make flight possible?
The Origins of America’s Good Roads Movement
The Good Roads movement brought to light the true value of high-quality roads in promoting the health, economic development, and interconnectedness of the United States.
3 Vital Maintenance Considerations for Gravel Runways
Gravel and unpaved runways present unique challenges to thousands of small airports across North America— here’s what those airports can do to improve safety, save on maintenance costs, and better serve their communities.