Our modern and increasingly high-tech airports require sophisticated airfield and runway safety area systems.
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These are important when it comes to continuously inspecting runway safety area locations and detecting potentially hazardous objects on airfields and runways.
Next-generation radar-based systems are gaining traction amid rising threats such as drones near airports, bird aircraft strike hazards and foreign object debris (FOD) on runways.
Need for modern runway safety area solutions at airports
The majority of airports currently rely on human supervision and vehicle patrols for regular perimeter fence checks and inspections of airfields and runways.
This can sometimes result in inefficient safety operations due to limitations including poor visibility and inconsistent human performance across and around runway safety areas.
The increased use of advanced radar-based surveillance and automated monitoring solutions, as well as remotely piloted aircraft systems, enables airport authorities to accurately inspect their runway safety area and runway equipment and systems.
Using these methods, companies are able to achieve cost and time savings when compared to conventional airport safety procedures and runway safety area operations.
Industry leading suppliers of airfield and runway safety area systems
Airport Technology has listed a comprehensive range of airfield and runway safety systems providers.
Our carefully compiled list includes suppliers of runway hazard management systems, advanced FOD and wildlife radar detection systems, air traffic safety services, and risk management and governance programmes for airports.
Our wide ranging download document provides a wealth of useful information for a range of stakeholders in the airport industry.
These include airport owners and operators, procurement officers, airport managers, safety managers, safety specialists, technicians and other individuals involved in the acquisition, operation and maintenance of runway safety area equipment and airfield safety systems.
Within our download, readers will find a range of valuable and detailed information on the manufacturers and suppliers and their product offerings, alongside contact details to assist in during purchasing decision process.
Leading airfield and runway safety area systems for airports
Some of the current industry leading airfield and runway safety products and solutions designed for airports include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Infrared barrier aircraft detectors for runways and taxiways
- High-quality jet-blast deflector fences
- Runway hazard management system for automatic FOD detection and enhanced wildlife control
- Bird control solutions for aviation environments
- Pest and predator deterrent equipment
- Remotely piloted aircraft for equipment inspection
- Radar systems
- Safety systems, assurance and training for air traffic management
FAQs
1. What are the key components of a runway safety area?
Runway safety areas (RSAs) include the runway, the adjacent strip, and any additional clear zones to enhance safety.
Key components involve the runway surface, approach lighting, signs, and drainage systems. Proper maintenance and clear demarcation of these areas are crucial to preventing incidents like aircraft overruns.
Safety features may include arrestor beds to stop aircraft in emergencies and lighting to ensure pilots have clear visibility during various weather conditions.
2. How do arrestor beds work in improving runway safety?
Arrestor beds, often made of energy-absorbing materials like engineered materials arrestor systems (EMAS), are positioned at the end of runways to stop aircraft that overshoot.
When an aircraft runs into the bed, its wheels sink into the material, reducing speed safely. These systems are especially important at airports with limited space, where expanding runway safety zones isn’t feasible.
3. How does runway lighting contribute to safety?
Runway lighting is essential for guiding aircraft during landing, take-off, and taxiing in low visibility conditions such as fog or nighttime operations.
Approach lighting systems (ALS) help pilots align with the runway, while edge lights, touchdown zone lights, and runway end lights provide clear visual cues.
Advanced lighting solutions, such as LED systems, enhance visibility while also being energy-efficient.
4. What are common challenges in maintaining runway safety areas?
Maintaining RSAs involves regular inspections, debris removal, and ensuring that the surface is clear of any obstacles. Weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, can damage the runway surface and affect drainage systems. Erosion control, ensuring the durability of arrestor beds, and keeping lighting and signage functional are all critical aspects of ongoing maintenance.
5. How is technology improving runway safety?
Technological advancements are helping to enhance runway safety through systems like surface movement radar, which provides air traffic controllers with real-time data on aircraft movements.
Automated Foreign Object Debris (FOD) detection systems are also being implemented to identify potential hazards on runways. Additionally, the integration of IoT (Internet of Things) in airport management allows for better predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring of runway conditions.