scope:

This is guidance for (a) comparing various runway safety area (RSA) improvement alternatives with improvements that use Engineered Material Arresting Systems (EMAS); and (b) determining the maximum financially feasible cost for RSA improvements, whether they involve EMAS or not. This guidance will help airport sponsors develop a sound proposed action for environmental review purposes. Regional Airports Division Managers should also use it when preparing an RSA practicability determination as required by FAA Order 5200.8, Runway Safety Area Program.

This guidance uses a standard EMAS installation as a benchmark for comparing and determining the best financially feasible alternative for RSA improvements. It should be used for new runway projects when comparing the costs of providing a standard RSA to the costs of installing EMAS. It may also be used to justify decreasing the dimensions of existing RSAs in connection with runway extension projects (see Paragraph 8).