Radio Controlled (RC) Aircraft, or aeromodelling, has become a very popular hobby in the United States with clubs in all 50 States totaling close to 600. Finding and developing an area for the aircraft to safely land can be an RC club's biggest obstacle. A geotextile runway is the answer.
A paved runway can cost 10 times the price of materials needed to construct a geotextile runway. Often, land where it would be acceptable to install a paved runway is limited. A geotextile runway constructed with US 230 or US 315 is an inexpensive and adaptable way to provide landing space for the model aircraft.
In addition to being cost-effective and adaptable, the geotextile is tough enough to withstand prop damage from a plane over-rotating or uprighting. In rare cases where damage occurs, the geotextile can be easily repaired.
A geotextile runway is also fairly simple to install. Blade the runway area, or remove all weeds with a post-emergent weed killer such as Roundup, and fill in low points. Compact the area making sure to establish a crown and allow for drainage on the sides. Rake out bumps and rocks. Apply a pre-emergent weed killer such as Preen. Unroll the geotextile onto the prepared runway area. Secure the geotextile by driving in staples to just slightly below grade level. Use staples every 10 feet or so. Overlap geotextile edges 6" or so and glue it with something like BlackJack brand number 55 Emulsion Roof Coating.
And you get the added benefit of US Fabrics' great customer service! But don't take our word for it: "Just letting you know you have great customer service, [Chuck] did a great job. So far it looks like it's going to work out great." Dave Kingma KRAM - Kent Radio Aero Modelers in Grand Rapids MI.
