Flying from Petromat runways
 

Can Turbines fly from Petromat runways, or does the exhaust heat damage the surface?
Our club is looking into this product for some leased land.

Also does the surface 'give' a little to help out on those not-so-perfect landings or is it hard as a rock?

Thanks,
Jim

RE: Flying from Petromat runways
 

Here's a turbine flying off Petromat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIc30ZUe5uE

The preparation of the base for the Petromat has to be very very good.
Bob

RE: Flying from Petromat runways
 

They can with some limitations. If your jet has a lot of down thrust, do not do an engine run-up on it. It is best also not to use any smoke on take-off, especially with any jet with down thrust. Do not manuever your jet on the Petromat by pushing down on the tail. if your jet becomes disabled on the Petromat, shut the engine down right away especially if you have down thrust or the exhaust is lowered because of a gear failure, etc.

A side benefit of Petromat for jets is that there is less tire wear and landing distance is reduced as the rolling resistance is higher.

George

RE: Flying from Petromat runways
 

The biggest problem will be bobcat/kingcat types with obvious downthrust. A few other types that sit with a nose high angle of attack could also be a problem.

I have burnt a hole thru petromat with a bobcat just trying to taxi to the runway.

Nothing really wrong with this type of runway though. It is FAR cheaper to build than pavement for similar performance. It's repairable in the event of a burn, It's easier on the airframe in the event of a scuff or wheel's up condition and it is a little slower pavement as far as drag/friction goes.

Jeff Lovitt

RE: Flying from Petromat runways
 

I'm not a huge fan of petromat
I've belonged to two clubs with petromat, pretty nice when there new. After a easy california winter you start getting highs and lows on the runway where the water sits.
Then the sun starts take it's toll and the runway starts to fray... the spikes start to loosen up and lift. The wind starts to lift the runway...

couple years you have a pretty bad runway... rough on retracts and landing gear