Aircraft Arresting Systems
Aircraft arresting systems provide a rapid means of stopping an aircraft during certain emergency or operational scenarios. Understanding aircraft arresting systems helps pilots recognize how cables, barriers, and related equipment are used to safely decelerate aircraft on landing surfaces.
Introduction to Aircraft Arresting Systems
- Certain airports are equipped with a means of rapidly stopping military aircraft on a runway
- This equipment, normally referred to as EMERGENCY ARRESTING GEAR, generally consists of pendant cables supported over the runway surface by rubber "donuts"
- Although most devices are located in the overrun areas, a few of these arresting systems have cables stretched over the operational areas near the ends of a runway
- Arresting cables which cross over a runway require special markings on the runway to identify the cable location
- These markings consist of 10 feet diameter solid circles painted "identification yellow," 30' on center, perpendicular to the runway centerline across the entire runway width
- NOTE: Aircraft operations on the runway are not restricted by the installation of aircraft arresting devices
Aircraft Arresting Systems Key Highlights
- Aircraft arresting systems are designed to rapidly decelerate aircraft during aborted takeoffs, emergency landings, or military operations.
- Arresting systems commonly use cables, energy absorbers, or engineered materials to stop aircraft safely within limited runway distances.
- Military aircraft frequently use arresting gear during carrier operations and at selected land-based airfields.
- Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS) use crushable materials installed at runway ends to stop overrunning aircraft.
- Civil airports may use arresting systems to reduce runway excursion risks and improve safety in constrained airport environments.
- Pilots should review airport diagrams, NOTAMs, and operational guidance regarding arresting gear locations and procedures.
- Aircraft performance, landing speed, weight, and runway conditions influence arresting system effectiveness.
- Improper use or unintentional engagement of arresting systems can damage aircraft or create operational hazards.
- Air traffic control may provide specific instructions regarding arresting gear status during arrivals and departures.
- Understanding aircraft arresting systems improves runway safety awareness, emergency preparedness, and overall flight safety.
Engineered Materials Arresting Systems
- Engineered Materials Arresting Systems, or EMAS, which is constructed of high energy-absorbing materials of selected strength, is located in the safety area beyond the end of the runway, recognized by Yellow Chevrons [Figure 1]
- EMAS is designed to crush under the weight of commercial aircraft and they exert deceleration forces on the landing gear
- These systems do not affect the normal landing and takeoff of airplanes however, aircraft and ground vehicles should never taxi or drive across the EMAS or beyond the end of the runway if EMAS is present
- EMAS may be located as close as 35 feet beyond the end of the runway. Aircraft and ground vehicles should never taxi or drive across the EMAS or beyond the end of the runway if EMAS is present
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Aircraft Arresting Systems
Aircraft Arresting Systems Conclusion
- More information concerning EMAS is in FAA Advisory Circular AC 150/5220-22, Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS) for Aircraft Overruns
- Learn more by reading the EMAS FAA Fact Sheet at https://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=13754
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