This FAA memorandum presents interim policy guidance on compatible land uses within runway protection zones (RPZ) to address recurrent questions about what constitutes a compatible land use and how to evaluate proposed land uses that would reside in an RPZ.

ACRP Research Report 168 helps airport operators evaluate the risk of an aircraft accident within a runway protection zone (RPZ). Although RPZs are supposed to be clear of structures and people, it is still common for activities to occur within an RPZ for many reasons, and these reasons can be beyond the control of the airport operator. The report is accompanied by a tool used to assess the risk of an aircraft accident within the RPZ and, based on that output, assess the risk to people and property, considering population density and land use. The tool can be used to run scenarios for planning around an RPZ or if changes are being considered, such as a change in the threshold, extending a runway, removing a hazard, and planning for a new runway.

TRB conducted a webinar that features research from ACRP Research Report 168: Runway Protection Zones (RPZs) Risk Assessment Tool Users' Guide. This research helps airport operators evaluate the risk of aircraft accident within an RPZ. Although RPZs are supposed to be clear of structures and people, it is still common for activities to occur within RPZs for reasons that may be beyond the control of the airport operator. This webinar discussed the development of the Runway Protection Zone (RPZ) Risk Assessment Tool and the risk assessment framework that serves as the basis for the tool.

This order is guidance for 1) comparing various runway safety area (RSA) improvement alternatives with improvements that use engineered materials arresting systems (EMAS) and 2) 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.