What are RESA and EMAS?

• A. RESA extends 300 ft from runway strips; EMAS is crushable aerated concrete that slows overrunning aircraft.
• B. RESA is a type of reflective marker; EMAS is a metal barrier.
• C. RESA extends 200 ft; EMAS is plastic foam.
• D. RESA and EMAS are types of signage.

Answer: (B)

RESA and EMAS are safety features placed at the end of a runway to reduce injury and damage if an aircraft overruns. RESA, or Runway End Safety Area, is a designated safety zone beyond the runway end with a surface designed to help decelerate and contain an overrunning aircraft. EMAS, or Engineered Materials Arrestor System, is a bed of crushable energy-absorbing material installed at the runway end that compresses under impact to dramatically slow and stop the aircraft before it reaches hard obstacles. Some airports use EMAS when there isn’t enough space for a full RESA or when additional deceleration is needed. The other descriptions describe markers, barriers, or signage, which are not what RESA or EMAS refer to.