EMAS: Engineered Material Arresting System

Aircraft overruns during landing and take-off are a frequent occurrence and statistically are the fourth largest cause of airline fatalities. . An overrun occurs when an aircraft passes beyond the end of a runway during an aborted take-off or while landing. To minimize the hazards of overruns, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) incorporated the concept of a safety area beyond the runway end into airport design standards.  However, there are many runways, where natural obstacles, local development and other constraints make the construction of the RESA impracticable. Recognising the difficulty associated with accomplishing RESA without compromising the performance capability of a runway, research programmes were initiated to find alternate and effective arresting solutions.

FLIGHT PROCEDURES-- Runway Veer-- Off

What is Runway Veer-off??

Runway veer-off is runway excursion in which an aircraft departs the side of the runway during take-off or landing.

 What factors contribute to a runway veer-off??

a. WEATHER

b. CREW TECHNIQUE/DECISION

c. AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

WEATHER

Runway Condition, Wet or Contaminated, Severe Wind, Cross wind , Windshear, Reverse thrust effect in a crosswind

and on Wet/Contaminated runway

CREW TECHNIQUE/DECISION

Use on Nose Wheel Steering at higher speeds

Airspeed too fast on runway to exit

Incorrect Cross wind landing technique--- a) Drifting during transition from a wings level crosswind approach(crabbed approach) to a steady-sideslip crosswind approach ,or failing to transition from a wings level approach to a steady-sideslip approach(decrab) in strong crosswind conditions.

AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

• Asymmetric thrust

• Non-deployment of speed brakes • Uncommanded differential braking

The runway veer-off is usually a result of one or more of above factors.

Following the company promulgated procedures, limitations, techniques; etc. will help in mitigating or managing the excursions.