How Pittsburgh Airport Uses Sand To Help Aircraft Retain Traction In Icy Conditions

March 5, 2023

1 minute read

Inclement weather brings numerous challenges for airports and operating aircraft. Snow and icy conditions significantly limit airport operations. Besides flight delays and cancelations, departures and arrivals must be appropriately spaced to ensure safe operations.

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is no exception when it comes to operational disruptions during winter weather. The airport authorities apply tons of fine sand on the airport’s four runways to gain traction during icy conditions.

Pittsburg International Airport is located in Findlay Township and Moon Township, Pennsylvania. Located approximately ten miles (15 km) from downtown Pittsburgh, the airport serves commercial and military operations. The Allegheny County Airport Authority owns and manages domestic and international flight operations. With a covered area of over 10,000 acres (4,000 ha), the airport has four asphalt/concrete runways.

One of the unique aspects of the PIT airport is its three east–west parallel runways which allow for simultaneous departures and landings. The airport’s two longest runways are The fourth runway in the north-south direction is a crosswind runway. PIT can accommodate large aircraft in and out of the airport using its two longest runways, at 11,500 ft (3,510 m) and 10,775 ft (3,280 m).

Runway maintenance

Maintaining four runways, especially during harsh winter weather, can be challenging. PIT stores more than 1,000 tons of fine sand at its sand dome on the east side of the airfield. During winter, fine sand is applied to taxiways and runways at PIT to retain the necessary traction for aircraft. According to Jim Moorhead, the director of airport operations at PIT,

March 5, 2023

1 minute read