Photo By Tech. Sgt. Timothy Leddick | Construction is conducted February 5, 2024, on the Pittsburgh International Airport...... read more read more
On July 30, 2026, Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station completed a two-year construction project on the flight line’s south apron one month ahead of schedule. Throughout construction, the 911th Airlift Wing showcased its adaptability to continue operations and provision of airlift and aeromedical evacuation capabilities by adjusting flying operations, relocating aircraft, coordinating with Pittsburgh International Airport and working around closures.
The flight line was originally optimized for the 911th AW’s previous aircraft—the C-130H Hercules. With its lighter 155,000-pound footprint and turboprop design, the C-130H made moderate demands on flightlines—requiring standard-depth pavement, modest hangar clearances, and conventional taxiway widths that served regional airdrop missions well for decades. The 2019 conversion to the C-17 Globemaster III—weighing in at 585,000 pounds, hauling over 170,000 pounds of outsize cargo, and spanning nearly 170 feet with four high-thrust turbofans—pushed the boundaries of the previous airfield infrastructure.
“There were 12-inch slabs, which were OK for the C-130 mission, but as we got the C-17s I asked the chief of engineering from Air Force Reserve Command to come down and see that they weren’t holding up,” said Rosemeier. “They agreed with me to replace the entire south apron of the flight line, as the north was already completed when we brought in the C-17s, and we went with the 16-inch slabs.”
The upgraded south-end ramp integrates deeper drainage slopes and a specialized 50-year concrete mix—dramatically boosting load-bearing capacity to stage outsized cargo, launch aeromedical evacuation crews, and sustain high-tempo strategic airlift, while providing the enduring bedrock needed for future airfield expansions.
“Our section handles long-term planning—more than five years,” said Robert Barbish, 911th CES chief of engineering. “The original purpose of the reconstruction was for our C-17s, but that’s our mission today. Something we discussed is where we might be able to park smaller, transient aircraft for what could be a loading base. These discussions are keeping in mind what our capabilities are for the future.”
With the cement dried and the construction equipment removed, there was one last task before the wing's aircraft could begin utilizing the new apron— a wing-wide FOD walk.
Steel Airmen and employees across the installation combed the flight line for FOD or foreign object debris. Materials such as rocks, scrap metal, biomatter and other forms of litter can damage aircraft and equipment or negatively impact the safety of personnel. Even something as small as a pebble can lead to larger problems.
A 2023 Federal Aviation Administration report cited global FOD-related damage costs the aviation industry an estimated $22.7 billion annually, including expenses from delays, cancellations and other disruptions.
“The maintenance squadron wasn’t going to park any aircraft there until they felt satisfied with compliance,” said Edward Rosemeier, 911th Civil Engineering Squadron construction control inspector. “FOD walks are important, and they know better than anyone the damage that could be caused without it.”
While FOD walk's are a routine quality assurance measure, the overall scale reflected the collective efforts involved as one of the final steps in the flight line’s reopening.
| Date Taken: | 08.20.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.28.2026 14:52 |
| Story ID: | 573060 |
| Location: | PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AIR RESERVE STATION, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 11 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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