The Fairview airstrip is located in the heart of Guyana and surrounded by wetlands, forests, rivers, and mountains.
In an attempt to draw more tourists to this vast untouched part of the World and to the Iwokrama International Centre for Conservation and Development the Guyana Government approached JR Ranch Inc. to find a solution for the upgrading of the local airstrips. A decision was made that Surama would be the first of the airstrips to be extended and upgraded. After the successful completion of the Surama airstrip the go-ahead was given to proceed with the Fairview Airstrip, also referred to as the Iwokrama Aerodrome. JR Ranch contacted Soil Solutions to provide technical assistance as well as the Engineered Base Stabilizer (EBS) to preserve the finished surface from degradation and loss of fine material, provide dust suppression, prevent aircraft damage all on an improved surface, which is usable year-round in any weather conditions.
JR Ranch with instructions from Soil Solutions prepared the airstrip prior to our team’s arrival. The airstrip was inspected, borrow pit material was brought in and placed, a layer was stabilized and then final shaping and leveling were completed, water trucks and pumps were assembled and the airstrip was compacted to a smooth finish prior to the application of the EBS Surface Seal. The EBS was applied utilizing two water tankers, which were completely constructed including the spray bars by JR Ranch allowing for timeous and efficient application.
The application of the EBS Surface Seal seals and protects the surface from erosion; loss of fines, cracking and most importantly eliminates dust allowing for increased safety, visibility, and a significant reduction in airstrip as well as aircraft maintenance. Additionally, the upgraded airstrip allows for improved aircraft acceleration, increased skid resistance, reduced damage to aircraft, and better pilot visibility.
Fairview Airstrip Upgrade
The environmentally friendly upgrade of the Fairview airstrip completed in conjunction with JR Ranch and Soil Solutions has provided tourists with an opportunity to explore this amazingly untouched eco-tourist part of Guyana within the Amazon forest.
“The completion of the Fairview Aerodrome will result in easier access to the Iwokrama Rainforest Project which will be a great boost to the tourism industry.” – President David Granger
President Granger emphasized his desire to see the area turned into an economic, educational, and environmental hub, which will not be of great benefit to the young people but put Guyana on the map.
President Granger describes Iwokrama as “the green heart of Guyana”, labeling it the single most important environmental project which will be much more accessible with the upgrade and extension of the Fairview Aerodrome in order to accommodate the most modern aircraft in Guyana and many more international aircraft.
