Flexstake Airport Markers: A Buyer’s Guide to A650 & A750 L-853 Markers
Airport markers have a specialized job: providing highly visible guidance while meeting the requirements of the particular airfield application.
Flexstake offers two primary flexible airport marker systems—the A650 ground-mount series and the A750 surface-mount series. Both are designed for airport applications, but the correct choice depends largely on where and how the marker will be installed.
This guide explains the differences and the information to have available when requesting pricing.
What Is an L-853 Airport Marker?
L-853 refers to the FAA specification for runway and taxiway retroreflective markers.
These markers use retroreflective material to improve visibility and help provide visual guidance on an airfield.
Because airport projects can have specific requirements, always verify the exact marker configuration required by the airport, project specifications or responsible agency before purchasing.
A650 L-853 Ground-Mount Airport Markers
The Flexstake A650 Series is a tubular ground-mounted airport marker designed for installation using a soil anchor.
According to Flexstake, the A650 is a three-part assembly consisting of:
Post
Inner core and hinge
Soil anchor
The A650 is available in 14", 19", 24", 30" and 36" heights.
Standard post colors include white, yellow, orange and blue, with custom colors available. Reflective wrap is available in several colors depending on the required configuration.
When Would I Choose an A650?
The A650 is the logical Flexstake airport-marker family to consider when the installation calls for a ground-mounted or soil-anchor system.
Before selecting a model, verify the required height, post color, reflective configuration and installation requirements for the particular airport project.
A750 L-853 Surface-Mount Airport Markers
The Flexstake A750 Series is the surface-mounted counterpart to the A650.
Instead of a soil anchor, the A750 uses a round surface-mount base. Flexstake describes the assembly as consisting of:
Post
Inner core and hinge
8-inch round base
Pin
The A750 is also available in 14", 19", 24", 30" and 36" heights, with standard post colors of white, yellow, orange and blue and additional custom-color options.
When Would I Choose an A750?
The A750 should be considered when the airport application requires a surface-mounted marker rather than a soil-anchor installation.
As with the A650, the complete configuration should be selected according to the airport or project requirements.
A650 vs. A750: What's the Main Difference?
The simplest way to begin choosing between them is the installation method:
A650 = Ground Mount / Soil Anchor
A750 = Surface Mount / Round Base
After determining the mounting method, confirm the required:
Marker height
Post color
Reflective sheeting color and configuration
Installation requirements
Quantity
Airport or project specification
If your project documents specify a Flexstake model or part number, include that information with your quote request.
Reflective Sheeting & Visibility
Flexstake offers the A650 and A750 with a 14-inch reflective wrap from the top of the post.
Available reflective colors include blue, white, yellow, orange, red and green, with custom colors also available from the manufacturer.
The appropriate reflective configuration depends on the intended airport application and project specifications. Do not select reflective colors based solely on preference; verify the required configuration for the installation.
FAA L-853 Requirements
The FAA's current specification for L-853 runway and taxiway retroreflective markers is contained in Advisory Circular 150/5345-39E.
Airport requirements can depend on the type of project and its applicable specifications. For that reason, the Flexstake model and complete marker configuration should be checked against the requirements for the particular airport project before purchase.
If you're working from a bid or specification, sending that information with your quote request can help identify the appropriate Flexstake product and configuration.
Flexible Construction & Replacement Components
Both Flexstake airport-marker series incorporate a flexible post and hinge system.
For facilities maintaining existing Flexstake installations, identifying the existing series and part number can also make it easier to determine the appropriate replacement components.
When requesting replacement parts, provide as much information as possible about the existing marker—including whether it is an A650 ground-mount or A750 surface-mount system.
What Information Should I Provide When Requesting a Quote?
To help us quote the correct Flexstake airport marker, provide as much of the following information as possible:
A650 ground mount or A750 surface mount
Required marker height
Post color
Reflective sheeting requirements
Quantity
Existing Flexstake model or part number, if applicable
Airport, agency or project specifications
Replacement components needed, if applicable
Don't have all of that information? Send us what you do have, including the relevant portion of the project specification if available.
Get Flexstake Airport Marker Pricing & Shipping
SC Supply Company supplies Flexstake airport markers and other traffic-safety products to airports, contractors, government agencies and other organizations throughout the United States.
Because airport-marker orders can vary by quantity, configuration and shipping requirements, SC Supply prepares a quote that includes product pricing and shipping rather than applying a standard online shipping charge.
We look for competitive shipping options and, when possible, combine products shipping from the same supplier to help reduce the total delivered cost.
Request a quote for Flexstake A650 or A750 airport markers, or call SC Supply at 800-640-1843 for assistance.
