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Remote airstrips are lifelines for mining camps, health posts, and riverine and hinterland communities. Done right, they improve safety, cut travel time, and support livelihoods. Below we outline field-tested practices for building and upgrading rural airstrips in Guyana—balanced for reliability, cost, and maintainability.

1) Start with purpose, pilots, and the community

• Define use cases: medevac, cargo, passenger shuttles, government services. The aircraft type (e.g., C208 Caravan, BN-2 Islander) drives runway length, surface, and load rating.

• Engage early: village councils, regional authorities, operators, and health/education services. Agree on location, hours, noise, and land use.

• Plan for growth: set aside space for future lengthening, apron expansion, and small fuel or cargo sheds.

2) Choose the site for drainage first, and everything else second

In Guyana’s wet climate, drainage is king. When comparing sites:

• Prefer high, well-drained ground with natural fall; avoid flood-prone savannah pans and swamp edges.

• Lay out the runway into prevailing winds where possible to reduce takeoff distances.

• Confirm clear approach/departure paths—no tall trees or towers within obstacle-limiting surfaces.

IIS can supply: survey stakes, flagging, marking paint, grade rods, and basic GNSS equipment for layout support.

3) Geotechnical basics that pay off

• Test the subgrade: simple DCP/CBR checks guide compaction targets and base thickness.

• Stabilise weak soils: lime/cement stabilisation or laterite blending; use geotextiles over soft spots.

• Compact in thin lifts: 150–200 mm layers with moisture control; proof-roll to reveal pumping or rutting before placing base.

IIS can supply: geotextiles, lateritic aggregates, graded base, moisture meters, plate compactors, rollers, and water trucks.

4) Runway geometry and surfaces for rural conditions

• Length & width: match to aircraft and elevation; many rural strips operate safely between 700–1,200 m length and 18–23 m width (confirm with your aviation adviser).

• Surface choices:

  • Gravel/laterite: most economical; requires grading and periodic re-sheeting.

  • Otta/chip seal or HMA asphalt (select segments): durable where budgets and logistics allow (thresholds/touchdown zones take the beating).

• Crown & crossfall: target ~2% for gravel to shed water; tie into lined side drains and culverts.

IIS can supply: culvert pipes, geogrid/geotextiles, base course, prime/tack, asphalt emulsions, and chip-seal kits.

5) Drainage details (your cheapest insurance)

• Perimeter drains: continuous, with outfalls lower than runway grade.

• Transverse culverts: at natural flow lines; protect inlets/outlets with rip-rap.

• Erosion control: grassing, biodegradable mats, and check dams on slopes until vegetation establishes.

6) Safety areas, markings, and simple nav aids

• Runway strip & RESA: maintain a graded, obstacle-free margin (clear stumps, rocks, anthills).

• Markings: durable white threshold bars, centreline dashes, and runway designators using traffic paint or thermoplastic where feasible.

• Wind indication: install a windsock on a frangible mast, clear of turbulence.

• Fencing & wildlife control: simple post-and-wire or vegetative barriers; manage grass height to deter birds.

IIS can supply: windsocks/masts, reflective cones, paints, frangible mounts, fencing materials, and brush cutters.

7) Lighting and operations for day-VFR first

• Start with day operations: keeps costs down and simplifies training.

• If night ops are essential, consider solar LED runway edge lights with pilot-controlled activation; add reflective taxi markers.

• Basic comms: hand-held VHF, a responsible ground contact, and a simple log for movements and field conditions.

IIS can supply: solar runway lights, reflectors, radios, lockable storage, and charging kits.

8) Build smart in the rainy season, maintain smarter after

• Construction window: schedule major earthworks and base placement in the drier months; avoid over-wet compaction.

• Maintenance plan: a light grade every 2–4 weeks in the wet season; re-sheet high-stress zones annually; keep drains clear after every heavy rain.

• Surface preservation: periodic re-rolling to tighten gravel; patch ruts and remove loose stones from touchdown zones.

IIS can supply: grader blades, replacement cutting edges, spare culverts, patch aggregate, and maintenance toolkits.

9) Simple, standardised checks (so the strip stays open)

Use a one-page checklist before and after flights:

• Standing water? Ruts >50 mm? Loose FOD on touchdown/rollout?

• Windsock visible and functional? Wildlife signs? Fence damage?

• Drains/culverts clear? Any new erosion?

• Markings legible? Cones in place?
  Document issues with photos; assign someone to close the strip if conditions are unsafe and notify operators promptly.

Ask IIS for a laminated inspection checklist and basic FOD kits.

10) Governance, permits, and good records

• Coordinate early with regional authorities and aviation stakeholders for location and operating practices.

• Keep as-built drawings, compaction logs, and maintenance records; this helps with insurance, audits, and future upgrades.

• When planning upgrades (lighting, lengthening, fuel storage), assess environmental impacts and community agreements.

How International Import & Supplies Helps

IIS is a one-stop partner for rural airstrip projects across Guyana’s interior:

• Materials & groundworks: lateritic base, graded aggregates, geotextiles, culverts, erosion control.

• Surfacing options: chip-seal kits, asphalt emulsions, prime/tack, runway marking paints and beads.

• Equipment & tools: rollers, compactors, water trucks, graders, brush cutters, survey gear.

• Safety & operations: windsocks, frangible masts, cones, solar runway lights, radios, signage.

• Maintenance support: re-sheeting aggregates, drainage spares, inspection checklists, and training for local caretakers.

Final word

In Guyana’s interior, reliability comes from drainage, compaction, and disciplined maintenance—not expensive gadgets. With the right site, simple standards, and steady upkeep, a rural airstrip can safely serve a community for decades.

Planning a new strip or upgrading an existing one?
Contact International Import & Supplies for a site walk-through, bill of quantities, and a practical sourcing plan tailored to your location.