Gulfport-Biloxi Runways/Taxiways Being Rewired

You know that whole "build a better mousetrap" thing? Very soon, the aviation world could be beating a path to Patriot Technologies in Kiln (MS).

That company is now in the process of wiring the runways at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport with its Runway Obstruction Warning System -- a relatively inexpensive concept that could vastly reduce the number of runway and taxiway accidents worldwide.

"We're very pleased with the progress of the first phase," said Lori Huthoefer, one of the principles at Patriot Technologies.

The idea is remarkably simple: Use the same technology that helps control the flow of traffic through stop lights. It means embedding sensors in runways and taxiways. Readouts from those sensors, which detect an aircraft's presence simply by detecting an increase in pressure on the tarmac, are sent to the control tower.

"The system works, and it's reliable, and it provides necessary, essential, uncluttered information. It's like having another set of eyes looking at what's going on," said Gulfport-Biloxi airport manger Bruce Frallic.

Further, it's inexpensive. "The cost of doing an airport like Gulfport-Biloxi... is under $1 million for the hardware," Frallic said. Sure, he could go to a more technological solution, but then, he said, "you're looking at $9 million."

FMI: www.patriot-technologies.com