Study on models and methodology for safety assessment of Runway End Safety Areas (RESA)

EASA_REP_RESEA_2011_12

Over the last years, several safety studies as well as overrun and undershoot accidents have indicated that the risk associated with undershoots and in particular with overruns continues to be significant. Thus, emphasizing the importance of a properly designed RESA (Runway End Safety Area) in mitigating the consequences of such accidents. However, many aerodromes were constructed before the RESA requirements were introduced and are often faced with land restrictions which result in a possible deviation from the requirements.

Based on historical data of overruns and undershoots (for aircraft with MTOW of 2250 kg or above) the study  integrates the probability of an overrun or undershoot occurrence with the probability of the location where the aircraft ends or hits the surface near the runway end taking into consideration aerodrome related risk factors.

The study also includes example applications of RESA risk assessment method to real cases of aerodromes in Europe

The results of this study are inputs to be used by EASA in future rulemaking actions and other regulatory material in the RESA field.