factors is likely to be overly problematic at most
where the glacier is moving fast, annual proof
sites that can sustain a glacial ice runway. In both
rolling is prudent to ensure that subsurface stress
cases, a good snow layer, perhaps 10 cm (4 in.) of
response has not created any flaws or weaknesses
compacted snow, will go a long way toward alle-
that will affect runway strength.
viating these concerns.
Inevitably, maintenance will eventually be re-
quired on an aircraft visiting a glacial ice runway.
WASTE AND POLLUTION
This work should also be performed in a location
MANAGEMENT
well off of the runway. It is likely that more con-
tamination will occur than for an aircraft that is
The importance of pollution management can-
simply parked. It may be advantageous to add
not be overstated. This is not entirely for altruistic
snow around the aircraft after it is parked to as-
reasons, although preservation of a glacial ice site
sist in cleanup and in protection of the underly-
purely for ethical reasons is worthy. A key ele-
ing ice. If extended parking or maintenance is
ment to maintaining a glacial ice runway and for
required at the Pegasus site, we recommend that
long-term viability is keeping the site as close to
a site be prepared immediately off the northeast
natural as possible.
end of the ramp area. (The site should be prop-
It is easy to establish and enforce a waste man-
erly surveyed with core samples and perhaps
agement plan. This plan should cover collection
proof rolled.)
and disposal of common wastes produced at the
At aircraft parking sites, wheel chocks should
site, such as food containers, paper, and human
be used. Small aircraft may also require tie-downs
wastes. Many polar operators now remove all of
in the form of "deadmen" frozen into the ice.
these types of wastes, in appropriate containers,
Parking of small planes should be into the strong
back to their home base for disposal at regulated
wind direction. Consideration should be given to
facilities. In some cases, the camp served by the
a single "nose leash" if particularly strong winds
glacial ice runway will have its own disposal and
are expected, allowing the aircraft to skid around
treatment equipment for common wastes. If nec-
somewhat to remain facing the wind, rather than
essary, the runway site will need to develop its
suffering potentially damaging side forces.
own facilities for handling wastes. This may in-
clude processing equipment, incinerators, and bal-
ers. Of course, the simplest and most effective
form of waste management at the site will be to
PROOF ROLLING
take every effort to reduce the quantity and types
Recertification of a glacial ice runway should
of waste that are brought to and generated at the
not be routinely required. However, any number
site.
of conditions may make it wise to proof roll the
It will be much more difficult to control or
runway again. The most notable situation would
cleanup of spills of fuel, oil leaks from aircraft
be when a new aircraft type is to visit the glacial
and support equipment, and soot from engines.
ice runway. Analysis of the potential aircraft's
Nevertheless, it is critical that tools and techniques
landing gear configuration and loads will suggest
for dealing with such pollutants be in place. Any
whether it represents a more severe test of run-
spill or contaminate should be cleaned up as much
way strength than the usual aircraft using the
as possible as soon as possible. The Pegasus site is
runway. We recommend that the runway be proof
inspected by the maintenance foreman on a daily
rolled again if either the contact pressure, indi-
basis and any foreign objects are removed. The
vidual tire load, or gang tire load exceed by more
foreman also acts as an enforcer for the waste and
than 10% the values used when originally proof
pollution policies including reprimands for viola-
rolling the ice. The proof cart loads for the new
tors (e.g., no more coffee allowed for individuals
aircraft should be calculated using the original
who toss the contents in the bottom of their coffee
factor of safety (1.25) and the tire size and con-
cup out the door). Every effort should also be
figuration may need to be adjusted.
made to clean up after aircraft, including the soot
If the runway site experiences an unusual tem-
and surface melt puddles formed when they are
perature regime in a given season or throughout
parked with engines running. In the event of a
a year, we encourage that the runway be proof
major problem (e.g., large fuel spill, aircraft fire)
rolled prior to resumption of flights. In regions
it will be necessary to access specialized person-
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