Aircraft soar again as flight line renovations wrap up Published Nov. 22, 2013 By Donovan Jackson 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- After being closed to aircraft operations from Nov. 9-17 to remedy worn areas and improve safety for pilots and aircraft, renovations to the flight line are complete. The discrepancies on the flight line posed a possible threat to flight operations. "Now that the project is complete, Maxwell's airfield environment is safer and compliant," said Erique Young, assistant airfield manager for base operations. "The improvements will enhance flight operations for all users." Four specific areas on the flight line needed renovation. One area of need was the overruns, areas that extend past the end of the runway's hard surface. Loose rock posed a safety concern because aircraft engines could possibly ingest the rocks. The north overrun on the landing zone also had extensive amounts of loose rocks and uneven surfaces. The landing zone repair work mitigated safety concerns and included replacing old and worn-out material. On the south end of the runway, threshold lights needed to be gated. The final phase of construction included the installation of 42 grounding points on the west and north parking aprons. The grounding points ensure that static electricity does not interfere with ground operations on the aircraft. "Ensuring pilot safety was our main concern for this project," said Young. "We are pleased with the outcome, and hopefully all of the work that was put in to the construction will extend the life of the areas that were worked on."