|

For Immediate Release: Emas Fact Sheet


Background

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that commercial airports, regulated under Part 139 safety rules and federally obligated, have a standard Runway Safety Area (RSA) where possible. At most commercial airports the RSA is 500 feet wide and extends 1,000 feet beyond each end of the runway. The FAA has this requirement in the event that an aircraft overruns, undershoots, or veers off the side of the runway. The most dangerous of these incidents are overruns, but since many airports were built before the 1,000-foot RSA length was adopted some 20 years ago, the area beyond the end of the runway is where many airports cannot achieve the full standard RSA. This is due to obstacles such as bodies of water, highways, railroads, and populated areas or severe drop-off of terrain.

The FAA has a high-priority program to enhance safety by upgrading the RSAs at commercial airports and provide federal funding to support those upgrades. However, it still may not be practical for some airports to achieve the standard RSA. The FAA, knowing that it would be difficult to achieve a standard RSA at every airport, began conducting research in the 1990s to determine how to ensure maximum safety at airports where the full RSA cannot be obtained. Working in concert with the University of Dayton, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the Engineered Arresting Systems Corporation (ESCO) of Logan Township, NJ, a new technology emerged to provide an added measure of safety. An Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) uses materials of closely controlled strength and density placed at the end of a runway to stop or greatly slow an aircraft that overruns the runway. The best material found to date is a lightweight, crushable concrete. When an aircraft rolls into an EMAS arrestor bed, the tires of the aircraft sink into the lightweight concrete and the aircraft is decelerated by having to roll through the material.

Benefits of the EMAS Technology

The EMAS technology provides safety benefits in cases where land is not available, where it would be very expensive for the airport sponsor to buy the land off the end of the runway, or where it is otherwise not possible to have the standard 1,000-foot overrun. A standard EMAS installation extends 600 feet from the end of the runway. An EMAS arrestor bed can still be installed to help slow or stop an aircraft that overruns the runway, even if less than 600 feet of land is available.

Current FAA Initiatives

The Office of Airports prepared an RSA improvement plan for the runways at approximately 575 commercial airports in 2005. This plan allows the agency to track the progress and to direct federal funds for making all practicable improvements, including the use of EMAS technology. Of the approximately 1,000 RSAs at these airports, an estimated 60 percent have been improved to full standards, and an estimated 79 percent have been improved to the extent practicable.

Presently, the EMAS system developed by ESCO using crushable concrete is the only system that meets the FAA standard. However, FAA has conducted research through the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) that examined a number of alternatives to the existing approved system. ACRP Report 29, Developing Improved Civil Aircraft Arresting Systems, published in January 2010, provides the industry with the most up-to-date and complete resource on potentially viable materials that can be used in future arresting systems. More information on the project, including a free copy of the report, can be found at the Transportation Research Board web site at http://www.trb.org/ACRP/.

Many of the EMAS beds installed prior to 2006 need periodic re-painting to maintain the integrity and functionality of the bed. FAA is working with ESCO to develop a retrofit of the older beds with plastic lids that are used on newer installations. The lid should eliminate the need for the periodic re-painting. The FAA’s Technical Center and ESCO continue to conduct research that will further improve EMAS.

EMAS Arrestments

To date, there have been seven incidents where the technology has worked successfully to arrest aircraft which overrun the runway and in several cases has prevented injury to passengers and damage to the aircraft.

  • May 1999: A Saab 340 commuter aircraft overran the runway at JFK
  • May 2003: A Gemini Cargo MD-11overran the runway at JFK
  • January 2005: A Boeing 747 overran the runway at JFK
  • July 2006: A Mystere Falcon 900 overran the runway at Greenville Downtown Airport in South Carolina
  • July 2008: An Airbus A320 overran the runway at ORD
  • January 2010: A Bombardier CRJ-200 regional jet overran the runway at Yeager Airport in Charleston, WVA
  • October 2010: A G-4 Gulfstream overran the runway at TeterboroAirportinTeterboro, NJ.

EMAS Installations

Currently, EMAS is installed at 51 runway ends at 35 airports in the United States, with plans to install 8 EMAS systems at five additionalU.S.airports.

Airport Location # of Systems Installation Dates
JFK International Jamaica, NY 2 1996(1999)/2007
Minneapolis St. Paul Minneapolis, MN 1 1999(2008)
Little Rock Little Rock, AR 2 2000/2003
Rochester International Rochester, NY 1 2001
Burbank Burbank, CA 1 2002*
Baton Rouge Metropolitan Baton Rouge, LA 1 2002
Greater Binghamton Binghamton, NY 2 2002
Greenville Downtown Greenville, SC 1 20023**
Barnstable Municipal Hyannis, MA 1 2003
Roanoke Regional Roanoke, VA 1 2004
Fort Lauderdale International Fort Lauderdale, FL 2 2004
Dutchess County Poughkeepsie, NY 1 2004**
LaGuardia Flushing, NY 2 2005
Boston Logan Boston, MA 2 2005/2006
Laredo International Laredo, TX 1 2006
San Diego International San Diego, CA 1 2006
Teterboro Teterboro, NJ 1 2006+
Chicago Midway Chicago, IL 4 2006/2007
Merle K (Mudhole) Smith Cordova, AK 1 2007
Charleston Yeager Charleston, WV 1 2007
Manchester Manchester, NH 1 2007
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl. Wilkes-Barre, PA 2 2008
San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA 2 2008
Chicago-O’Hare Chicago, IL 2 2008
Newark Liberty International Newark, NJ 1 2008
Charlotte Douglas International Charlotte, NC 1 2008
St. Paul Downtown St. Paul, MN 2 2008+
Worcester Regional Worcester, MA 2 2008/2009**
Reading, Regional Reading, PA 1 2009**
Kansas City Downtown Kansas City, MO 2 2009+/2010
Smith Reynolds Winston-Salem, NC 1 2010
New Castle County Wilmington, DE 1 2010
Key West International Key West, FL 1 2010
Arcata-Eureka Arcata, CA 1 2010
Telluride Regional Telluride, CO 2 2010

( ) Bed replaced

* Widened in 2008

** General aviation airport

+ Reliever airport

Additional projects currently under contract

Location Number of Systems Expected Installation Date
Farmingdale, NY 1 2010
Stuart, FL 2 2011
Augusta State, ME 2 2011
Teterboro, NJ 1 2011
Groton-New London, CT 2 2011
To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.

Similar Posts

  • |

    FAA Proposes New Policy on Antidepressants for Pilots

    For Immediate Release
    April 2, 2010

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced that it will consider the special issuance of a medical certificate to pilots who are taking medication for mild to moderate depression, conditions that now bar them from all flying duties.

    On a case-by-case basis beginning April 5, pilots who take one of four antidepressant medications – Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Citalopram (Celexa), or Escitalopram (Lexapro) – will be allowed to fly if they have been satisfactorily treated on the medication for at least 12 months. The FAA will not take civil enforcement action against pilots who take advantage of a six-month opportunity to share any previously non-disclosed diagnosis of depression or the use of these antidepressants.

    “I’m encouraging pilots who are suffering from depression or using antidepressants to report their medical condition to the FAA,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “We need to change the culture and remove the stigma associated with depression. Pilots should be able to get the medical treatment they need so they can safely perform their duties.”

    The FAA’s policy is consistent with recommendations from the Aerospace Medical Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Air Line Pilots Association and the International Civil Aviation Organization. The Civil Aviation Authority of Australia, Transport Canada and the U.S Army already allow some pilots to fly using antidepressant medications.

    Psychiatrists and Aviation Medical Examiners who have specialized training under the Human Intervention and Motivation Study (HIMS) program will help the FAA evaluate and monitor pilots under this new policy. The HIMS program was established 40 years ago and has been highly effective for the assessment, treatment, and medical certification of pilots who need help with alcohol and drug issues.

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.
  • |

    FAA Announces Category 1 Safety Rating for Nigeria

    For Immediate Release
    August 23, 2010

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced that Nigeria has achieved a Category 1 rating under the FAA’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program, which means that Nigeria complies with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). ICAO is the United Nations’ technical agency for aviation which establishes international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance.

    The IASA Category 1 rating is based on the results of a July FAA review of Nigeria’s civil aviation authority. With the IASA Category 1 rating, Nigerian air carriers may now apply to operate to the United States with their own aircraft.

    An IASA Category 1 rating means a country has the laws and regulations necessary to oversee air carriers in accordance with minimum international standards, and that its civil aviation authority – equivalent to the FAA for aviation safety matters – meets international standards for technical expertise, trained personnel, recordkeeping and inspection procedures.

    As part of the FAA’s IASA program, the agency assesses the civil aviation authorities of all countries with air carriers that operate or might be authorized to fly to the United States and makes that information available to the public. The assessments determine whether or not foreign civil aviation authorities are meeting ICAO safety standards, not FAA regulations.

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.
  • | |

    FAA Proposes $547,500 Civil Penalty Against Hawaiian Airlines

    The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a $547,500 Civil Penalty against Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. for operating a Boeing 767-300 that was not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.

    The FAA alleges Hawaiian operated the aircraft thousands of times when it was not in compliance with a July 2000 Airworthiness Directive (AD) that required inspections of certain engine thrust reverser components. The purpose of the AD was to prevent a portion of the thrust reverser from coming off in flight, which could cause a rapid decompression of the aircraft.

    The AD required initial and repetitive inspections of the components to detect damage and wear, and corrective actions if necessary. It required replacement of the components with new and improved parts within four years of the AD taking effect.

    During a July 2012 inspection, the FAA discovered that some of Hawaiian’s records erroneously showed the AD did not apply to one of its Boeing 767 aircraft. The FAA alleges Hawaiian operated the aircraft more than 5,000 times – mostly on passenger carrying flights – between July 2004 and July 2012 when it was out of compliance with the AD. The FAA further alleges Hawaiian operated the aircraft on 14 passenger flights after the agency alerted the carrier that some of its records erroneously indicated that the AD did not apply to the aircraft.

    Additionally, the FAA alleges Hawaiian failed to keep required records of the status of the AD for the aircraft in question.

    Hawaiian has requested an informal conference with the FAA to discuss the matter.

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.
  • |

    Press Release – FAA Works to Ease Delays for Thanksgiving Holiday Travel

    For Immediate Release
    November 18, 2010

    WASHINGTON – The Federal Aviation Administration is preparing for a busy Thanksgiving holiday travel week by working with the Department of Defense to clear the way for commercial aircraft to fly in airspace normally reserved for the military.

    “We want to do everything we can to make it easier for people to travel so they can spend Thanksgiving with their loved ones,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We appreciate the military’s help in making this happen.”

    Air traffic controllers may begin routing commercial aircraft through the restricted airspace at 6 a.m. EST on Tuesday, Nov. 23, a day earlier than in previous years. The use of restricted airspace will end at 6 a.m. EST on Monday, Nov. 29. The busiest travel days are expected to be Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday.

    Under the agreement, DOD will release airspace off the east coast above 24,000 feet. The added capacity is expected to ease delays during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, saving time and money for passengers and airlines while reducing fuel burn.
    The FAA has developed dedicated routes off the east coast to allow airlines to plan their flights through the normally restricted airspace. Normal inland routes will still be available. Weather permitting, the combination of both sets of routes is expected to ease congestion.

    “The FAA is using all the tools available to try and give airlines the most efficient routes so air travelers can reach their destinations safely and on time,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt.

    “The nation’s air traffic controllers are committed to upholding the safety of the system while working the most efficient airspace system in the world,” said NATCA President Paul Rinaldi. “Over the past year we’ve experienced a movement toward collaboration at all levels of the agency and we look forward to continuing to work together to improve air travel for the flying public.”

    The DOD is also allowing commercial flights to use restricted airspace in other parts of the country. These include:
    Airspace over the Gulf of Mexico to ease congestion for commercial aircraft flying between Florida and the Louisiana and Texas areas, as well as points beyond.

    Airspace over Twentynine Palms in California to ease congestion for commercial aircraft flying to and from markets in Southern California.

    Airspace over the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico to allow for more direct routings for aircraft flying over the Southwest.
    Air travelers interested in flight and airport status should visit www.fly.faa.gov for real-time updates.

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.

  • FAA: Final Rule Represents Major NextGen Milestone

    WASHINGTON – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the performance requirements for aircraft tracking equipment that will be required under the Next Generation Air Transportation System, or NextGen. The avionics will allow aircraft to be controlled and monitored with greater precision and accuracy by a satellite-based system called Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B).

    “Today we have reached a major NextGen milestone,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “This technology represents another step forward in our ability to make America’s skies the safest in the world.”

    The final rule, developed with extensive input from the aviation community, requires aircraft flying in certain airspace to broadcast their position via ADS-B by 2020. The rule mandates that the broadcast signal meet specific requirements in terms of accuracy, integrity, power and latency.

    “This rule gives the green light for manufacturers to begin building the onboard equipment that will allow our air traffic controllers to know where aircraft are with greater precision and reliability,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “That is one of the key elements of NextGen that will improve the safety and efficiency of flight.”

    Additional ADS-B services should allow pilots to view cockpit displays to see the location of other aircraft in the sky around them. ADS-B displays are envisioned that will show pilots where they are in relation to bad weather and terrain – even at night or in conditions with poor visibility – and provide flight information, including temporary flight restrictions, which allow pilots to plan safe, more efficient routes.

    Some of this information is now being broadcast free to aircraft equipped with ADS-B in the Gulf of Mexico, South Florida and in the airspace above Louisville, Philadelphia and Juneau, Alaska. Those areas were chosen as key sites to roll out ADS-B due to challenges presented by vast stretches of water, rugged terrain and traffic congestion. These areas also are populated by aircraft already equipped with ADS-B. The nationwide rollout of ADS-B ground stations will be complete in 2013.

    By 2020, the FAA will require ADS-B equipment for aircraft flying in airspace including Classes A, B and C, around busy airports and above 10,000 feet.

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.
  • |

    FAA vs J.R. Simplot Company- $207,200 Civil Penalty

    LOS ANGELES – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a $207,200 civil penalty against J.R. Simplot Company of Boise, Idaho, for alleged violations of Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Regulations.

    The FAA alleges Simplot offered a non-standard fiberboard box containing a five-gallon plastic jug of bactericide and fungicide to United Parcel Service (UPS) for transportation by air from Union Gap, Wash. to New Harmony, Utah, on Oct. 28, 2009.

    According to U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, the mixture of hydrogen peroxide and peroxyacetic acids is classified as an oxidizer, which is a hazardous material.
    The FAA alleges the package was not declared to contain hazardous materials and that the materials offered were not properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled and in proper condition for shipment under the hazardous materials regulations. Additionally, the agency alleges the quantity of liquid in the shipment exceeded the maximum amount that can be transported on a cargo aircraft.

    Employees at UPS’s Ontario, California, sorting facility discovered the leaking package.
    Simplot has 30 days from receipt of the FAA’s enforcement letter to respond to the Agency.
    ###

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.