Wed, Nov 20, 2013
Automatically Scans For Debris The Over Entire Runway Length
The FAA and the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) recently unveiled the first automated detection system in the U.S. for debris on airport runways that covers an entire runway length. The system to detect Foreign Object Debris (FOD) is fully installed and operational on Boston Logan Airport’s busiest runway, 9/27.
“Using technology to find and remove potentially damaging objects on the airfield takes safety up another notch at Logan Airport,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Christa Fornarotto. “Massport has a history of investing in cutting-edge technology and working with the FAA on important airport safety initiatives.”
The FAA funded $900,000 of the $1.7 million detection system installation through the Airport Technology Research Program, under an agreement that enabled Massport to provide the remaining funding and procure the technology. The agreement also calls for a one-year study to evaluate the safety benefits of an automated detection system compared to an airport’s traditional FOD management best practices.
Debris damage to engines and aircraft is estimated at billions of dollars a year, and can lead to serious accidents. Airport operators traditionally use vehicles to scan and clear airport runways, taxiways and aprons using sweepers, vacuums and magnet bars that are operated manually. Automation can provide continuous monitoring and detection, as well as audible alerts and precise information about the location of FOD the system detects.
The FAA began conducting performance assessments of automated FOD detection systems in 2007 to establish performance standards and develop advisory documentation for airports. The FAA has alerted the airport community that limited discretionary Airport Improvement Program grant funding will be available for operational FOD detection systems at three large hub airports across the country.
More News
Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP) Charts Portray the aeronautical data which is required to execute an instrument approach to an airport. These charts depict the procedures, incl>[...]
“Our industry is approaching a 30-year innovation cycle, and we have less than 25 years to decarbonize aviation. We need to develop new methods to get net zero aerospace tech>[...]
Also: Girls in Aviation Day, B-29 Doc Heads 4 Chino, C-17 Tail Cone Detaches, Bulgaria Airshow Accident One of two private aircraft that launched from Apatity Airport near Murmansk>[...]
From 2021 (YouTube Version): We Were Blown Away At How Well The Nosewheel Was Adapted To The X Cub Airframe It should not be a secret to any one of you, that with thousands of hour>[...]
Also: Volato Nixed by Honda, New B-21 Bases, A-10 Unit Inactivated, Gogo/Airshare Boom Supersonic announced its demonstrator aircraft XB-1 successfully completed its third test fli>[...]