thedrifter
10-15-08, 08:37 AM
New Beaufort runway mimics lighted carrier
The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Oct 15, 2008 7:03:48 EDT
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. — Aviators at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort are getting a chance to use a renovated runway with special lights that simulate landing on an aircraft carrier.
The air station’s 12,000-foot main runway opens Wednesday after an eight-month, $6 million renovation.
Marine officials said more than 32,000 tons of asphalt was used and the new lighting was installed during the effort.
The Marines fly F/A-18 Hornet jets and conduct numerous night and daytime landings during months of deployment at sea.
While the main runway was under construction, the aviators used a shorter 8,000-foot runway.
Marine officials predicted the new, smoother runway would be safer for the pilots and cut down on maintenance for the aircraft.
Ellie
The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Oct 15, 2008 7:03:48 EDT
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. — Aviators at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort are getting a chance to use a renovated runway with special lights that simulate landing on an aircraft carrier.
The air station’s 12,000-foot main runway opens Wednesday after an eight-month, $6 million renovation.
Marine officials said more than 32,000 tons of asphalt was used and the new lighting was installed during the effort.
The Marines fly F/A-18 Hornet jets and conduct numerous night and daytime landings during months of deployment at sea.
While the main runway was under construction, the aviators used a shorter 8,000-foot runway.
Marine officials predicted the new, smoother runway would be safer for the pilots and cut down on maintenance for the aircraft.
Ellie