Need Advice on Runway cover

[ddsjoseph]

What materials can be used to cover a dirt runway to avoid the expense a paved runway? I have seen some green or black mat covers over dirt runways, but have not been able to find out exactly what material it was made of and where to buy.

[fhhuber]

"petromat" which is a product initially intended as a way to make asphalt less able to shift when it gets hot.
Usually black.
Stake it out directly over the dirt or on top of crusher fines. decomposed granite or similar small particle rock. (not pea gravel or sand)

See asphalt contractors for this material.

Props tend to cut the petromat. You can patch with a small piece of the material and any of the common asphalt driveway sealers. that patch will then often break props instead of getting cut again.

Its not exactly cheap, but it is cheaper than paving. You can apply asphalt seal coat on top and have what looks like an asphalt runway, but if you drive a lawn tractor across after rain you'll see the tracks forever.

[xviper]

Google "Geotex".

[Ron1950]

we did geotex it was $800 a 15x300 roll and you need there staples to hold it down

[ddsjoseph]

Thank you Gents for all your advice. Now I will have some choices to present to our flying club. Everyone wants to do something but no one knew what. .... and now we know!!
Thanks again.