Pilots know each runway has a unique set of characteristics and that inclement weather only accentuates the differences between one runway and another. That’s why Boeing and Embraer are offering a program, aptly named Runway Situational Awareness Tools (RSAT), to provide pilots with more information to support safe landings.
The Boeing-Embraer Runway Situation Awareness Tools will help by reducing runway excursions – when an airplane leaves the runway unexpectedly during takeoff, taxiing, or landing – which account for a significant portion of accidents and incidents. The goal is to keep pilots aware and in control during all phases of the approach, landing, and rollout, and enable them to make correct and timely decisions to ensure a safe landing.
Boeing and Embraer analyzed safety data to understand the root causes of runway excursions – such as weather, wind, runway conditions, and airplane weight – and developed ways to mitigate them during approach, landing, and rollout. They found that because excursions are caused by multiple factors, more than one type of solution is necessary.
With that in mind, Boeing and Embraer will provide new pilot procedures and training aids, as well as flight deck guidance and alerting tools to help manage the major causes of excursions during landing. New procedures and training can be implemented almost immediately and cost-effectively, with flight deck enhancements added over the longer term.
The new technology will provide pilots with an enhanced heads-up display of approach and landing information, as well aural and visual cues. These enhancements will help pilots to determine more precisely where on the runway the airplane should touch down and stop in any weather condition.
Offering the Runway Situation Awareness Tools is just one of many ways Boeing and Embraer are working to make air travel safer than ever. Visit Boeing.com/Stories to learn more.
This article is written by Boeing and not by the Quartz editorial staff.