Aircraft Arresting Systems
Certain airports have special equipment that provides a means of rapidly stopping military aircraft on a runway using special equipment.
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.
- Test your understanding of Aircraft Arresting Systems by completing the knowledge quiz, applying your knowledge in the interactive scenario, comparing your performance against the applicable Airman Certification Standards, and concluding with the topic summary to reinforce the key concepts before moving on to the next lesson.
Aircraft Arresting Systems Key Highlights
- Emergency arresting gear generally uses a pendant cable to rapidly stop an appropriately equipped military aircraft.
- Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS) are passive runway-end systems for overrunning aircraft and do not require an aircraft arresting hook.
- Arresting cables may lie in an operational portion of a runway at some military or joint-use airports and require an aircraft-specific crossing brief.
- Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS) use crushable materials installed at runway ends to stop overrunning aircraft.
- EMAS reduces overrun severity but does not provide performance credit or justify a planned runway excursion.
- Pilots should review airport diagrams, NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), and operational guidance regarding arresting gear locations and procedures.
- Excess speed, a long touchdown, tailwind, contamination, poor braking, and limited runway can combine to increase overrun risk.
- Entering EMAS can immobilize or damage an aircraft; occupants should follow emergency procedures and wait for appropriate assistance.
- 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, are constructed of high energy-absorbing materials of selected strength and are located in the safety area beyond the runway end. Yellow chevrons identify the EMAS area. []
- EMAS material crushes under an overrunning aircraft's landing gear, absorbing energy and applying deceleration forces without requiring an arresting hook.
- EMAS does not change normal takeoff or landing performance requirements. It is a last-resort consequence-reduction system, not a planned stopping area or performance credit.
- EMAS may be located as close as 35 feet beyond the runway end. Aircraft and ground vehicles should never taxi or drive across it or beyond the runway end when EMAS is present.
- An aircraft that enters EMAS may be immobilized or damaged. Follow the aircraft's emergency procedures, evaluate occupant hazards, communicate with ATC (Air Traffic Control) or emergency services, and do not attempt to taxi out unless specifically directed under an approved recovery plan.
Aircraft Arresting Systems Interactive Scenario
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Aircraft Arresting Systems Knowledge Check
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Why Take a Quiz?
Quizzes reinforce key concepts, identify knowledge gaps, and build confidence for real-world decisions. Quiz material is representative of the information provided here and is not based on or sourced from the Federal Aviation Administration test bank.
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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