Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS)

Aircraft stopped in the EMAS after a 2010 runway overrun at Charleston-Yeager Airport
EMAS stopped a plane carrying 34 passengers in a runway overrun at Charleston-Yeager Airport in 2010.

Where airports lack adequate space for traditional safety areas, installation of an engineered materials arresting system (EMAS) allows for suitable energy management for the runway excursion aircraft. EMAS is located beyond the far end of a runway where an aircraft is taking off or landing. A properly design and constructed EMAS absorbs the kinetic energy of runway excursion aircraft in less space and time than traditional safety areas. The material "crushes" under the weight of the excursion aircraft, slowing it down considerably faster than open space.

A standard EMAS will bring a runway's critical aircraft to a complete stop when it enters the EMAS at 70 knots or less.

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Last updated: Thursday, February 6, 2025