29th Annual Airports Conference

Hershey, PA

Kenneth Jacobs

FAA Airport Engineering Division

March 1, 2006

Federal AviationAdministrationRunway Safety Areas

An Airport Operator’s Perspective

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Runway Safety Areas are Important• A Critical Safety Enhancement • FAA Flight Plan Goal

– Where practical, upgrade runway safety areas to meet standards

• FAA Order 5200.8, Runway Safety Area Program– RSA Determination

• Meets Standards

• Can Be Improved to Standards

• Can Be Improved But Will Not Meet Standards

• Cannot Be Improved

– Incremental gains (improvement) must be obtained whenever possible (Appendix 1, paragraph 4a.)

– Maintain an RSA Inventory

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The Runway Safety Area Crunch

Past Future

Aircraft D

emands

Acceptable Risk

The Crunch

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The Runway Safety Area Standard• Dimensions–

– Width and Length Beyond Runway Ends– Aircraft and Visibility Minimums– EMAS can limit the length to 600 ft beyond the runway end

• Performance– Capable, under dry conditions of supporting:

– Aircraft fire fighting and snow removal equipment, and– Occasional passage of aircraft without causing structural

damage

• Other Requirements– – No potentially hazardous ruts, humps, depressions …– Graded and drained to prevent water accumulation– Free of objects higher than 3 inches …

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The Runway Safety Area Inventory

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Runway Safety Areas and Part 139• 139.7– FAA ACs contain methods and procedures

for compliance• 139.309– Runway Safety Areas

– Provide and maintain…– RSA standards

• 139.327– Self-Inspection Program– AC 150/5200-18C, Airport Safety Self-Inspection

• Regular, daily inspections• Periodic condition inspections

• Airport Certification Manual– Approved and current – Contents

• Description of RSA• Procedures for maintaining RSA

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Runway Safety Areas and EMAS• EMAS is Runway Safety Area

– Complies with RSA requirements per Part 139– Inspect it like an RSA– Exception: Stepped Sides

• Manufacturer’s Inspection Requirements– Specific inspection procedures provided by

manufacturer– Initial training– Drive-around– Walk through– Documentation

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Typical EMAS Bed

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Typical EMAS Bed – Inspector’s View

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Typical EMAS Bed – Inspector’s View

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Typical EMAS Bed – Inspector’s View

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Typical EMAS Maintenance Issues• Lifting or missing caulk• Surface cracks• Depressions• Holes• Loose Covering• Abrasion attack (sand,

jet blast)• Chemical attack

(solvents, weak acid or weak alkaline solutions)

• Crushed block• Damage to vertical side

walls• Damage to debris

deflector• Clogged vents• Seals around light

standards• Block movement

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EMAS Details – Blast Shield

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EMAS Details - Vents

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Conclusion

• Runway Safety Areas are important• Be aware of any RSA deficiencies

– Overall dimensions– Review RSA Inventory– Look for opportunities to improve

• Stay on top of the RSA through inspections• Integrate EMAS inspections with RSA

inspections