Safety
EMAS Credited in Two Bizjet Runway Overrun Saves
Gulfstream and Challenger safely stopped by arrestor beds
EMAS stopped a business jet that overran the runway at Boca Raton Sept 3
EMAS stopped a Bombardier Challenger 300 that overran the runway at Boca Raton on September 3. On the same day, the technology halted a wayward Gulfstream G150 in Chicago. © FAA

The FAA credited engineered materials arresting systems (EMAS) with safely stopping two business jets in separate runway overruns on September 3. Administrator Bryan Bedford called the technology “lifesaving” after EMAS beds halted a Gulfstream G150 at Chicago Executive Airport (KPWK) and a Bombardier Challenger 300 at Boca Raton Airport (KBCT).

EMAS technology consists of a bed of lightweight, crushable material placed at the end of a runway to stop aircraft that overshoot, undershoot, or veer off the runway surface. According to the FAA, the system reduces the risk of potentially catastrophic accidents by slowing aircraft rapidly without requiring pilot action. In both September 3 occurrences, the aircraft risked entering busy roadways but stopped short.