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In aviation, safety always comes first, So today we review what the runway end arrest system called EMAS is and what it is for.. FAA photo
The Engineered Material Arresting Systems, has had in recent weeks a notable participation in the aeronautical community and news in general having avoided, potentially, regrettable air accidents, For this reason, I considered it key to talk broadly about this braking assistance mechanism in extreme or emergency cases..
EMAS system in aviation
In the world of aviation, Safety in the landing or takeoff phase is essential. Nevertheless, It is not always possible to have the ideal space to ensure that an aircraft comes to a complete stop after an error or failure. This is where a crucial innovation comes into play: Engineering Materials Detention Systems, better known by their acronym in English, IT'S NOT (Engineered Materials Arresting Systems).
The Runway Safety Area Challenge (RSA)
Traditionally, Safety at the end of a runway is guaranteed by the Runway Safety Area (RSA). This is a clear, level area designed to allow an aircraft that departs or overruns the runway to stop safely..
Although the rules of the FAA establish that the RSA can extend up to 305 meters (1,000 pies) beyond the end of the track, Many airports were built before these standard dimensions were adopted in the 1990s. 1980. On numerous occasions, obstacles such as bodies of water, roads, Railroad tracks or rugged terrain make it unfeasible to extend the RSA to its recommended length..
The trigger for the search for a solution was an incident of runway exit on 1984 at New York JFK Airport, which demonstrated the urgent need for an effective alternative.
What is the EMAS System?
Developed in the decade of 1990 in collaboration with the University of Dayton and the FAA, EMAS is an innovative technology that acts as a “safety cushion” at the end of the runway.
It consists of a bed of lightweight, crushable materials installed in the area at the end of the runway.. When an aircraft leaves the runway and enters EMAS material, your tires sink into the material, that breaks in a predictable and controlled way. This action rapidly decelerates the aircraft, managing to stop it safely and minimizing damage.
A standard EMAS installation is designed to stop most aircraft overrunning the runway at a speed of up to 70 knots (about 130 km/h).
Types of EMAS systems and manufacturers
Currently, Runway Safe is the only manufacturer of EMAS products that meet the demanding standards of the FAA. Its most relevant systems are:
- EMASMAX®: The latest and most durable version of the block-based system. Uses crushable cellular cement blocks that are secured to the track base.
- greenEMAS®: A recent alternative that uses a silica foam made from recycled glass. This material is poured into a high strength plastic mesh system.
Both products are typically installed across the full width of the track, with a length and displacement that are determined based on the fleet of aircraft used by the airport.
Design requirements and operational standards
In the absence of regulations ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) specific and universal on EMAS, the standards of the FAA, collected in circular AC 150/5220-22B, They are the global reference.
The design of an EMAS system must meet rigorous criteria, including:
- Use of fire resistant and non-toxic materials.
- Resistance to reaction jet effects (jet blast), which is achieved by maintaining a separation zone (setback) between the end of the runway and the start of the EMAS.
- Ability to operate in all temperatures and weather conditions.
- It must not impede the transit of Rescue and Fire Fighting Service vehicles. (RFFS).
- Design to avoid adverse effects if an aircraft inadvertently lands in the opposite direction (undershoot).
History saving lives
The first EMAS was installed in 1996 at JFK airport New York. Since then, implementation has grown steadily.
Thanks to the initiative of the FAA Airports Office, security has been improved in the RSA of more than 500 commercial airports in the US. UU. This includes the installation of EMAS systems in more than 110 runway ends in more than 70 American airports. Countries like Spain (Madrid Barajas), China and Taiwan have also adopted this technology.
Until September 2023, EMAS systems have safely stopped aircraft in 20 incidents at US airports. UU., safeguarding a total of 428 passengers and crew.
- Flight Crew Instruction: In case of an imminent meeting with EMAS, The only guide for the pilot is to maintain the center line of the runway and, once the aircraft has stopped, do not try to move or roll it under any circumstances.
In essence, EMAS represents a cutting-edge engineering solution that raises the standard of security at airports with terrain restrictions, demonstrating that innovation can overcome physical limitations to protect lives and assets.
Have you heard of this solution? In which airport should it be installed??
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