Aviation Safety Technologies (AST) is pleased to announce that its ABARnet™ reporting system enables airlines and airports to comply with recommended actions outlined in the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circular AC 91-79B regarding aircraft landing performance and runway excursion mitigation.

In its August 28, 2023 Advisory Circular, the FAA confirms that data-based Aircraft Braking Action Reports (ABARs) are the preferred methodology for measuring and reporting on the braking action of landing aircraft.

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. Data-based ABARs are in contrast to Pilot Braking Action Reports (PBARs), which are based on a pilot’s subjective experience and evaluation of a landing.

When pilots of incoming aircraft have access to both ABARs (science) and PBARs (cockpit observations), they can make better informed landing decisions. When airport personnel are armed with this same deeper understanding of runway conditions, they can better manage runway maintenance, scheduling, and airside operations. All stakeholders benefit from the addition of scientific landing data that is the most precise and accurate available. Every landing is an opportunity for an ABAR to inform stakeholders – especially pilots on the next landing approach – with insight about braking action, deceleration, and runway friction conditions.

FAA Advisory Circular AC 91-79B states:

“A clear understanding of accuracy and precision is important when comparing the relative advantages and limitations of braking action reports which are based on pilot observations (PBARs) and reports automatically generated by systems using aircraft data (ABARs) … 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 process … Recommended Action: Operators should use the information provided in this AC to review and assess the risks associated with operations on wet and contaminated runways and update or modify their procedures, as appropriate, to mitigate these risks.”

The SafeLand™ system with its ABAR reporting capability complies with ASTM Standard E3266, the aircraft braking measurement standard developed by ASTM International utilizing experts from Airbus, Boeing, the Society of Aircraft Performance and Operating Engineers, and the FAA.

ASTM International, the U.S. FAA, Transport Canada, and other industry stakeholders increasingly recognize that data-based ABARs are essential to the accurate, precise, and real-time reporting of braking performance information that can help mitigate the risk of runway excursions.

“Worldwide, approximately 10% of all landings are conducted on a wet or contaminated runway,” says Joe Vickers, CEO of AST. “Multiple runway excursions occur annually, creating threats to passenger safety, unscheduled operating expenses for airlines, and enormous scheduling and operational issues for airports. Data-based ABARs are a vital tool in helping mitigate these landing risks. We applaud the FAA for recognizing this and the NTSB for promoting the creation of this technology. AST is pleased to be actively engaged with a number of airlines and airports to help them bring ABARs into their operating procedures.”

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:

Joe Vickers
Aviation Safety Technologies
joe.vickers@avsafetech.com
+1 708-882-6438