Timeline
The path to better braking
Take the first step to better braking performance
Take the first step to better braking performance
23M+
landings in our ABAR database
2200+
participating aircraft (Boeing, Airbus, & more)
7000+
new landings analyzed every day
FAST
growing ABARnet™ community
*
AST's reporting network is self-learning, getting smarter with every new report.
It started with TALPA, RCAM, and PIREPs. Now there are ABARs.
2005
Runway excursion at Midway
A runway excursion (overrun) at Chicago Midway Airport by Southwest Airlines results in a fatality. As a result of the Midway accident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiates an aviation rulemaking committee known as Takeoff and Landing Performance Assessment (TALPA). Through TALPA, the FAA requires airports to measure contaminant type, coverage percentage, and depth. These measurements are entered into the Runway Condition Assessment Matrix (RCAM) to determine an “expected” braking action. However, these measurements do not accurately measure braking friction when the wheels touch down, so they cannot objectively correlate to the wheel braking coefficient (actual braking friction). Thus, pilots are left on their own to subjectively assess the braking friction they intuitively experience, and then share these imprecise, intuitive assessments via their Pilot Reports (PIREPs).
2006-2015
AST’s vision: leveraging the power of science
Recognizing the inherent limitations of subjective pilot assessments, Aviation Safety Technologies (AST) pioneers a data-based technology for scientifically measuring the wheel braking coefficient (runway braking friction) empirically experienced by landing aircraft. AST begins working with a network of airports and airlines to validate and propagate this new level of precision and accuracy in measuring braking friction.
2016
AST releases first data-based system for measuring braking friction
AST releases the world’s first aircraft-agnostic system for scientifically measuring braking friction experienced by landing airplanes, using approved data taken directly from the aircraft. AST’s proprietary software pulls and analyzes approved data from an aircraft’s on-board systems and sensors to objectively measure braking action and friction limits that can affect landing safety. This insight is instantly provided to pilots, airports, airlines, and regulatory bodies after each landing as TALPA-compliant RCAM information, integrating seamlessly into existing standard terminology.
Validation by FAA
AST’s braking measurement and reporting network, called ABARnet™, is validated by the Joint Winter Runway Friction Program sponsored by FAA, NASA, and other research entities. AST also completes an FAA-funded Feasibility Study, the goal of which is to demonstrate the efficacy of the AST technology in delivering runway condition information using data collected by commercial aircrafts’ Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR).
FAA objectives
The objectives of the FAA Feasibility Study are to demonstrate:
The efficiency of the ABARnet™ process in producing and delivering data near real time to users.
The reliability and deterministic nature of the process.
The independence of delivered data from pilot actions and different aircraft types.
The reliability and repeatability of the delivered data under the same conditions and on the same runway.
The validity of the reported data through cross-correlation of other measured runway friction data as possible.
TALPA RCAM now required
Also in 2016: the FAA makes the TALPA RCAM process a requirement in Advisory Circular AC 91-79A (published March 2016).
2020
AST’s vision: leveraging the power of science
AST announces that its cloud-based ABARnet™ Braking Measurement System and Reporting Network complies with the new braking measurement standard published by ASTM International.
The ASTM International Standard E3266 for Friction-Limited Aircraft Braking Measurements and Reporting applies to systems that measure and report on braking forces and runway friction. The E3266 standard applies to any automated system that uses data from an aircraft to create what ASTM International calls an Aircraft Braking Action Report (ABAR). ASTM International confirms that an ABAR system (such as ABARnet™) may be installed on an aircraft or operated remotely.
2021
Compliance reaffirmed at SAPOE
AST reaffirms full compliance with ATSM International’s Standard E3266 at the 2021 Society of Aircraft Performance and Operations Engineers (SAPOE) Conference in Atlanta. Several more airlines and airports join a growing consortium participating in the ABARnet™ network offered as a cloud-based service.
2023
FAA recommends use of ABAR systems (such as ABARnet™)
FAA officially recommends that airlines and airports leverage data-based Aircraft Braking Action Report (ABARs) to help mitigate runway excursions. This directive is outlined in the FAA’s Advisory Circular AC 91-79B published in August 2023.
The FAA Advisory Circular AC 91-79B confirms that data-based ABAR systems (such as ABARnet™) are the preferred methodology for measuring and reporting on the braking action of landing aircraft.
The FAA recommends that airlines and airports modify their operating procedures to add ABAR technology.
FAA’s recommended action
Text from FAA Advisory Circular AC 91-79B:
“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.
FAA’s 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 information should also be included in operations manuals, SOPs, training programs, and any other established means of conveying safety and operational information within the organization.”
Sept
2024
Growing ABARnet™ ecosystem
AST's ABARnet™ braking measurement and reporting network continues to hit important milestones of successful use by U.S. airlines and airports. As of September 2024, the network has recorded 21+ million landings by more than 2,200 commercial aircraft (both Boeing and Airbus), and continues to record 7,000+ new landings a day.
2005
Runway excursion at Midway
A runway excursion (overrun) at Chicago Midway Airport by Southwest Airlines results in a fatality. As a result of the Midway accident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiates an aviation rulemaking committee known as Takeoff and Landing Performance Assessment (TALPA). Through TALPA, the FAA requires airports to measure contaminant type, coverage percentage, and depth. These measurements are entered into the Runway Condition Assessment Matrix (RCAM) to determine an “expected” braking action. However, these measurements do not accurately measure braking friction when the wheels touch down, so they cannot objectively correlate to the wheel braking coefficient (actual braking friction). Thus, pilots are left on their own to subjectively assess the braking friction they intuitively experience, and then share these imprecise, intuitive assessments via their Pilot Reports (PIREPs).
2006-2015
AST’s vision: leveraging the power of science
Recognizing the inherent limitations of subjective pilot assessments, Aviation Safety Technologies (AST) pioneers a data-based technology for scientifically measuring the wheel braking coefficient (runway braking friction) empirically experienced by landing aircraft. AST begins working with a network of airports and airlines to validate and propagate this new level of precision and accuracy in measuring braking friction.
2016
AST releases first data-based system for measuring braking friction
AST releases the world’s first aircraft-agnostic system for scientifically measuring braking friction experienced by landing airplanes, using approved data taken directly from the aircraft. AST’s proprietary software pulls and analyzes approved data from an aircraft’s on-board systems and sensors to objectively measure braking action and friction limits that can affect landing safety. This insight is instantly provided to pilots, airports, airlines, and regulatory bodies after each landing as TALPA-compliant RCAM information, integrating seamlessly into existing standard terminology.
Validation by FAA
AST’s braking measurement and reporting network, called ABARnet™, is validated by the Joint Winter Runway Friction Program sponsored by FAA, NASA, and other research entities. AST also completed an FAA-funded Feasibility Study, the goal of which was to demonstrate the efficacy of the AST technology in delivering runway condition information using data collected by commercial aircrafts’ Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR).
FAA objectives
The objectives of the FAA Feasibility Study were to demonstrate:
The efficiency of the ABARnet™ process in producing and delivering data near real time to users.
The reliability and deterministic nature of the process.
The independence of delivered data from pilot actions and different aircraft types.
The reliability and repeatability of the delivered data under the same conditions and on the same runway.
The validity of the reported data through cross-correlation of other measured runway friction data as possible.
TALPA RCAM now required
Also in 2016: the FAA makes the TALPA RCAM process a requirement in Advisory Circular AC 91-79A (published March 2016).
2020
AST’s vision: leveraging the power of science
AST announces that its cloud-based ABARnet™ Braking Measurement System and Reporting Network complies with the new braking measurement standard published by ASTM International.
The ASTM International Standard E3266 for Friction-Limited Aircraft Braking Measurements and Reporting applies to systems that measure and report on braking forces and runway friction. The E3266 standard applies to any automated system that uses data from an aircraft to create what ASTM International calls an Aircraft Braking Action Report (ABAR). ASTM International confirms that an ABAR system (such as ABARnet™) may be installed on an aircraft or operated remotely.
2021
Compliance reaffirmed at SAPOE
AST reaffirms full compliance with ATSM International’s Standard E3266 at the 2021 Society of Aircraft Performance and Operations Engineers (SAPOE) Conference in Atlanta. Several more airlines and airports join a growing consortium participating in the ABARnet™ network offered as a cloud-based service.
2023
FAA recommends use of ABAR systems (such as ABARnet™)
FAA officially recommends that airlines and airports leverage data-based Aircraft Braking Action Report (ABARs) to help mitigate runway excursions. This directive is outlined in the FAA’s Advisory Circular AC 91-79B published in August 2023.
The FAA Advisory Circular AC 91-79B confirms that data-based ABAR systems (such as ABARnet™) are the preferred methodology for measuring and reporting on the braking action of landing aircraft.
The FAA recommends that airlines and airports modify their operating procedures to add ABAR technology.
FAA’s recommended action
Text from FAA Advisory Circular AC 91-79B:
“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.
FAA’s 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 information should also be included in operations manuals, SOPs, training programs, and any other established means of conveying safety and operational information within the organization.”
June 2024
Growing ABARnet™ ecosystem
AST's ABARnet braking measurement and reporting network continues to hit important milestones of successful use by U.S. airlines and airports. As of June 2024, the network has recorded nearly 21 million landings by more than 2,200 commercial aircraft (both Boeing and Airbus), and continues to record 7,000+ new landings a day.
summary
Why ABARs are an
FAA imperative
Use approved data directly from aircraft
Comply with industry standards
Available through global cloud-based network
Available for any aircraft type - Boeing, Airbus. etc.
Radar-based products miss the mark
let's talk
Get on board with precise reports
summary
Why ABARs are an FAA imperative
Use approved data directly from aircraft
Comply with industry standards
Available through global cloud-based network
Available for any aircraft type - Boeing, Airbus. etc.
Radar-based products miss the mark
let's talk
Get on board with precise reports
summary
Why ABARs are an
FAA imperative
Use approved data directly from aircraft
Comply with industry standards
Available through global cloud-based network
Available for any aircraft type - Boeing, Airbus. etc.
Radar-based products miss the mark
let's talk
Get on board with precise reports
summary
Why ABARs are an
FAA imperative
Use approved data directly from aircraft
Comply with industry standards
Available through global cloud-based network
Available for any aircraft type - Boeing, Airbus. etc.
Radar-based products miss the mark
let's talk
