Runway innovations help avoid ground collisions

[killerwhale65]

There are two new runway technologies under development that will help pilots avoid collisions with other aircraft and airport vehicles during landings and takeoffs. Both are already in testphase.

For landings, the Final Approach Runway Occupancy Signal (FAROS) is an automated system that will detect aircraft and vehicles on the runway. Incoming aircraft will then be alerted with flashing runway lights. The system works with some inductive loop sensors just beneath the runway surface, which are connected to the PAPI's.

For takeoffs, a low-tech system is under development. When pilots begin their takeoff roll, they can get confused when they spot another aircraft far down the runway. However they cannot see if this plane is actually on the runway, or just on the "end-around taxiway". Those aircraft would simply be hidden behind large concrete screens. They are currently being tested at Atlantic City International. Early next fall, installation of permanent screens would begin on Dallas-Fort Worth.

Source: Air Safety Week

[earthman]

Inductive loop sensors, will they be able to detect the composite 787?

[Sebas]

There are two new runway technologies under development that will help pilots avoid collisions with other aircraft and airport vehicles during landings and takeoffs. Both are already in testphase.

For landings, the Final Approach Runway Occupancy Signal (FAROS) is an automated system that will detect aircraft and vehicles on the runway. Incoming aircraft will then be alerted with flashing runway lights. The system works with some inductive loop sensors just beneath the runway surface, which are connected to the PAPI's.

For takeoffs, a low-tech system is under development. When pilots begin their takeoff roll, they can get confused when they spot another aircraft far down the runway. However they cannot see if this plane is actually on the runway, or just on the "end-around taxiway". Those aircraft would simply be hidden behind large concrete screens. They are currently being tested at Atlantic City International. Early next fall, installation of permanent screens would begin on Dallas-Fort Worth.

Source: Air Safety Week

8) Safety first; the more safety the better!

Regards,
Sebas

[earthman]

How exactly are "large concrete screens" near the end of the runway safe??

[n5528p]

Inductive loop sensors, will they be able to detect the composite 787?

Yes, there is still enough metal available...

How exactly are "large concrete screens" near the end of the runway safe??

I would also like to know that - I cannot imagein many airports where there is enough space to put a heap of concrete between the RWY and the perimeter TWY. Especially, since most RWYs may be used in both directions...

Regards, Bernhard