On Wednesday morning, crews from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) gathered to fine‑tune their winter‑preparation plan. The exercise, described by airport officials as a “choreographed dance,” involved dozens of heavy‑duty machines—plows, brooms, blowers and de‑icing equipment—working in lockstep with the FAA control tower.
Coordinated effort between tower and operations
“Every moment we do between the FAA tower and our airport operations team has to be telegraph coordinated,” said James Moorhead, vice president of airport operations and maintenance. “When we say what we’re going to do, we actually do it.” The drill gave both the tower and the ground crews a chance to spot any gaps in communication before the first snowfalls of the season.
Safety at the forefront
Safety was the central theme of the rehearsal. Gary Gleichman, an instructor for Cryotech Deicing, reminded participants that the ultimate goal is a runway safe enough for families to land on. “We talk about whether the runway is safe enough for my family to land on, and we feel that the chemicals and equipment we use support that safety,” he said.
Equipment and funding
PIT maintains a fleet valued at more than $30 million, including snow‑removal machines, blowers and de‑icing trucks. Moorhead noted that the FAA provides grants to help keep this fleet operational year‑round. “The FAA is really tough because they want to keep this airport safe for diversions. They give us the tools and the funding so we can keep this fleet up and running any time,” he explained.
Runway closures avoided
Closing the runway during winter is not an option for the airport, which serves as a critical diversion point for flights across the region. “They should be very confident coming into Pittsburgh International. They’ll get home,” Moorhead added, emphasizing the airport’s commitment to keeping the airfield open even in severe weather.
Community impact
The drill underscores the airport’s role in supporting local families and businesses that rely on reliable air service. By ensuring that runways remain clear and safe, PIT helps keep travel schedules intact, supports tourism and safeguards the supply chain for the western Pennsylvania economy.
As the season progresses, the airport will continue to monitor weather forecasts and adjust its operations accordingly. The coordinated approach demonstrated on Wednesday provides a solid foundation for a smooth winter travel experience for passengers, airlines and the broader community.
Original reporting: WTAE (Hearst) – local — read the source article.
