In the Spotlight

The FAA NextGen Pavement Materials Lab began a laboratory testing plan to evaluate the variability and performance of FAA Specification P-401, asphalt mixtures containing reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). This investigation aims to assess the performance of the P-401 mixture during asphalt production and to characterize, in the laboratory, the fatigue, cracking, and rutting resistance of each mixture. Materials were sourced from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) during a mill and overlay project on Taxiway E. The findings are expected to verify data from the FAA's National Airport Pavement Materials Research Center Test Cycle 2, which showed that incorporating 20% RAP into the P-401 surface course with a Warm-Mix additive delivers performance comparable to that of mixtures without RAP.

Murphy Flynn | ANG-E26

Members of the Airport Emerging Technology R&D Section observed leading-edge research activities conducted at the University of Cincinnati and researched the integration of autonomous ground vehicle systems (AGVS) in airport operations at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) on February 17-18, 2026. The emergence of autonomous systems that augment and/or replace traditional, manual ground service activities (e.g., baggage handling and transport, lawn mowing, aircraft marshaling, aircraft tugs) has recently accelerated, and the FAA seeks to ensure safe, consistent use and integration across U.S. airports. Demonstrations of quadrupedal technology with potential uses for perimeter security, wildlife deterrence, and other applications; and wheeled-vehicle technology used to facilitate autonomous wing-walking operations were demonstrated during the visit to the University of Cincinnati by faculty and incubator start-up the first day of the trip.

The next day, the FAA research team met with CVG s Strategic Innovation Team comprising the Chief Innovation Officer, the Director of Strategic Innovation for Advanced Mobility, and the Senior Manager of Strategic Innovation. Airport personnel hosted the research team on a tour of the airport and demonstrations of their autonomous unit load device (ULD) transport equipment at gate B10. The demonstration was followed by a debrief and information exchange meeting.  This site visit is one among several scheduled to various airports that have incorporated autonomous ground vehicle technology for airport use.  The research team is collecting information from early adopters of these technologies, including domestic and international airports and AGVS Original Equipment Manufacturers on how they use the systems and any lessons learned during the adoption process.  A synthesis of this collected information will support the establishment of FAA guidance for airports on selection and use of such technologies in both nonmovement and movement areas.  Guidance may end up in Bulletins, Engineering Briefs, and/or Advisory Circulars.

Russ Gorman | ANG-E261

Dr. Navneet Garg, a member of the National Asphalt Pavement Association Asphalt Mixtures PCR Committee, attended the committee meeting on February 9, 2026. The committee develops standardized Product Category Rules (PCRs) to ensure consistent Life Cycle Assessment methodologies for fair and transparent comparison of product impacts, meeting biweekly.

Navneet Garg | ANG-E262

Dr. Navneet Garg delivered a lecture on recent advances in airport pavement design, evaluation, and materials as part of the Illinois Center of Transportation Kent Seminar Series focused on innovation trends in aviation. His presentation highlighted ATRD s research facilities, updates to FAA pavement standards, and collaborative work with the National Asphalt Pavement Association under the Airport Asphalt Pavement Technology Program.

Navneet Garg | ANG-E262

From 2020 to 2024, the FAA conducted four full-scale traffic tests on flexible airport pavements at the National Airport Pavement Test Facility as part of Construction Cycle 9 (CC9) to evaluate pavement design models, alternative materials, and overload criteria. This report summarizes the planning, design, construction, material characterization, and traffic test execution of CC9, with detailed results provided in separate reports.

David Brill | ANG-E262