Independent studies and surveys of airport operators have identified many safety-enhancing advantages of Aviation-grade Artificial Turf (AGAT™) systems over traditional natural groundcover, including (to name a few):

• Stabilized runway and taxiway shoulders, eliminating grave safety hazards and high costs associated with aircraft veer-off and immobilization.
  
  
• Improved runway visualization for pilots, allowing earlier lineup and fewer missed approaches.
  
  
• Reduced foreign object debris (FOD) migration, potentially eliminating FOD damage.
  
  
• Non-lethal wildlife management by removing sources of food, water and shelter, significantly decreasing birdstrike and wildlife hazards.
  
  
• Avoided need to close operational areas for mowing, seeding and maintenance of natural turf.
  
  
• Reduced response times for airport rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) vehicles, since they can traverse AGAT™ installations during inclement weather without becoming mired in soft, saturated soil.
  
  
• Virtually eliminates need for chemical treatments.
  
  
• Highlights extent of Runway Safety Area (RSA), eliminating or reducing the potential for incursions.
  
  
• Reduced jet blast and water erosion of runways, taxiways and shoulders.