Two recent incidents involving runway overruns at US airports on September 3rd were successfully stopped by “arrestor” systems, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to the agency, the two business jets overran the runways and came to a halt in “engineered material arrestor systems” (EMAS) which are strategically placed at the end of some runways. These systems are designed with materials that can crush under the weight of an aircraft, effectively slowing it down and stopping it.

One of the incidents occurred at Boca Raton airport in Florida, involving a Bombardier Challenger 300. The jet, operated by Jet Linx, had just completed a flight from Las Vegas when it rolled off the runway and onto the EMAS. Fortunately, none of the four people on board were seriously injured.

The other incident occurred at Chicago Executive airport and involved a Gulfstream G150, operated by Priester Aviation. The jet had arrived from Baltimore with two people on board, both of whom escaped without serious injuries.

The FAA administrator, Bryan Bedford, emphasized the importance of EMAS technology in preventing serious accidents. He stated, “Yesterday’s incidents in Chicago and Boca Raton clearly demonstrate the lifesaving value of EMAS technology. These two systems did exactly what they’re designed to do – stop aircraft safely when they go off the runway. This technology is making a real difference in preventing serious accidents.

EMAS systems are made of either concrete blocks or silica foam and are installed at the ends of runways that have little safety space due to land constraints. The lightweight material is designed to sink under the weight of an aircraft, effectively slowing it down and bringing it to a safe stop.

The FAA also shared a video explaining how the arrestor systems work. Currently, there are 118 EMAS systems installed at 69 US airports, and they have successfully stopped 24 aircraft in total. The first EMAS system was installed at New York’s John F Kennedy International airport in 1996.

In conclusion, these two recent incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of EMAS technology in preventing serious accidents. Thanks to these systems, the two business jets were safely stopped and no one was seriously injured. The FAA continues to prioritize the installation of EMAS systems at airports with little safety space at the end of their runways.