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
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
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
