Airport Tarmac

B767Driver · November 15th, 2005, 12:19

A bit of trivia if you want to impress your date at the bar.

I'm reading a book on the economic history of the U.S. A chapter is devoted to transportation. Until early 19th century, roads were constructed of crushed gravel. A british civil engineer named John Macadams developed a method to pave tar over the crushed rock. The process was called "tarmacadamizing". Later shortened to "tarmac". For many years, early roads were called tarmacs...and later changed. Evidently, when airports were developed...the process name stuck.

Now aren't you glad you know that.

lnewby · November 15th, 2005, 16:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by B767Driver

A british civil engineer named John Macadams developed a method to pave tar over the crushed rock. The process was called "tarmacadamizing". Later shortened to "tarmac".

So that's why my wifes family calls blacktops "Macadam".

seagull · November 15th, 2005, 23:10

I'd read that before. Usually a good way to tell a non-aviation person when they use the word "tarmac" to refer to the ramp, although at this point it's been misused for so long that those that know better are starting to do it. Sheesh!

hattrick · November 16th, 2005, 15:29

so here i was thinking i was going to get some useful bit of imformation that would assist in picking up women and you give me this. geez way to bait a guy into reading your post

awacs94 · November 17th, 2005, 11:22

"tarmacadamizing" Thats a good pickup line

November 15th, 2005, 12:19	#1
B767Driver Old Skool Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,888	Airport Tarmac A bit of trivia if you want to impress your date at the bar. I'm reading a book on the economic history of the U.S. A chapter is devoted to transportation. Until early 19th century, roads were constructed of crushed gravel. A british civil engineer named John Macadams developed a method to pave tar over the crushed rock. The process was called "tarmacadamizing". Later shortened to "tarmac". For many years, early roads were called tarmacs...and later changed. Evidently, when airports were developed...the process name stuck. Now aren't you glad you know that.

November 17th, 2005, 11:22	#5
awacs94 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 271	"tarmacadamizing" Thats a good pickup line __________________ "Air N'doogoo" flying a MEL-ridden Tupolev 154 with a 22 year-old Chechen crew." - Doug

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

November 15th, 2005, 23:10	#3
seagull Old Skool Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 2,045	I'd read that before. Usually a good way to tell a non-aviation person when they use the word "tarmac" to refer to the ramp, although at this point it's been misused for so long that those that know better are starting to do it. Sheesh!

November 16th, 2005, 15:29	#4
hattrick Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: farther north than the rest of you Posts: 313	so here i was thinking i was going to get some useful bit of imformation that would assist in picking up women and you give me this. geez way to bait a guy into reading your post