 |
|
 |
1.11 Ground Arrestor Systems for AirportsAircraft can and do overrun the ends of runways, sometimes with disastrous consequences. To minimize the hazards of overruns, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires a safety area 1000 feet in length beyond the end of the runway. Although this safety area is now an FAA standard, many runways were constructed before its adoption. For those locations that do not have the space for a full safety area, soft ground arrestors provide an engineered solution to restore a margin of safety.
"Soft ground" means any material that will deform readily and reliably under the weight of an aircraft tire. As the tires crush the material, the drag forces decelerate the aircraft. The FAA and industry have developed mathematical models that aid in the design of these arrestor beds and predict aircraft stopping distances. Full-scale aircraft testing validated the model and set the stage for installation of these arrestor beds at major airports. The arrestor beds have proved their worth. In May 1999, a SAAB 340 aircraft with 30 on board was brought to a safe stop after an overrun on runway 4R at JFK International Airport. The aircraft sustained only minor damage and only one minor ankle sprain was reported.
FAA POC:
|
 |
|
 |
NASA Headquarters Responsible Official: Code R
Curator: SAIC Information Services http://www.aerospace.nasa.gov |
