Aviation Safety Technologies (AST) is pleased to announce that its ABARnet™ braking measurement and reporting network has now analyzed and recorded the braking action of more than 23 million aircraft landings using Aircraft Braking Action Reports (ABARs).

The U.S. FAA has stated that ABARs are the most accurate and precise technology for measuring the actual braking friction of landing aircraft – insight that can help improve landing safety and mitigate runway excursions.

Every time an aircraft participating in the ABARnet™ network executes a landing, an ABAR report about that landing is automatically generated and distributed to pilots on approach, airline operations, airport personnel, ATC, and other stakeholders.

ABARs utilize real-time data from aircraft-based sensors about the actual braking friction that those planes experience when landing, especially on wet, icy, or contaminated runways. These science-based ABARs are in contrast to Pilot Braking Action Reports (PBARs), which rely on a pilot’s subjective experience and intuitive, imprecise evaluation of a landing.

“When pilots of incoming aircraft have access to the precision and accuracy of ABARs, they can make smarter, more informed landing decisions,” says Joe Vickers, CEO of Aviation Safety Technologies. “Airports armed with this same braking friction insight can better manage runway maintenance, scheduling, and airside operations. Every landing is an opportunity for an ABAR to inform stakeholders with scientific insight about braking action, deceleration, and runway friction conditions.”

The cloud-based ABARnet™ network – formerly known as SafeLand – utilizes algorithms, AI, and machine learning in a self-learning database that's getting smarter with every new landing report.

“AST is proactively working with a number of major airlines and airports today to help improve both aviation safety and operational efficiencies,” says Mr. Vickers. “7,000+ more aircraft landings are recorded every day into the ABARnet database. The ABARnet community is expanding. Decision-makers agree with the FAA and Transport Canada that ABAR technology should be evaluated and, when appropriate, embraced.”

In its August 28, 2023 Advisory Circular, the FAA confirmed that data-based ABARs are the preferred methodology for measuring and reporting on the braking action of landing aircraft.

The FAA Advisory states: “ABAR systems provide the highest level of accuracy and precision. ABAR systems most effectively serve as the basis for continuous improvement in the safety assurance program … Recommended action: operators should use the information provided in this AC to review and assess the risks of operations on wet and contaminated runways and update or modify their procedures, as appropriate, to mitigate these risks.”

About ABARnet™

AST’s ABARnet™ braking measurement and reporting network utilizes approved data taken directly from landing aircraft. This approach is recognized by the FAA and Transport Canada as the most precise technology for measuring actual braking friction. Our technology complies with ASTM International Standard E3266, the official aircraft braking measurement standard.

Our ABARs are hull-agnostic so we can work with today's diverse fleets – Boeing, Airbus, and other manufacturers. And ABARnet is cloud-based for easy distribution and access by participants.

With over 23 million landings recorded, AST enables advanced analytics on runway friction for airlines and airports. Network participants can review past landings and access reports for any operating region, in any required format: FICONs, NOTAMs, RCAMs, and more. This information and flexibility not only help pilots make informed landing decisions but also support airports and the FAA in optimizing surface management strategies.

The result is safer, more efficient operations and more reliable flight schedules for passengers.

Learn more about ABARs here.

About Aviation Safety Technologies

Aviation Safety Technologies (AST) is the world’s leading provider of Aircraft Braking Action Reports, which have been recognized by the FAA and Transport Canada as the most precise methodology for measuring and reporting on real-time braking action and runway friction conditions. Our mission is to elevate aviation safety and operations through data-driven insights.

AST continues to innovate as an affiliate of the Dillon Kane Group (DKG), a technology collective with a 24-year track record of innovation and growth, driving impactful solutions across diverse industries.

For more information, contact:

William Bloomstein
Aviation Safety Technologies
+1 617-721-9445
Email us here.