Aviation safety is paramount in ensuring the smooth operation of airports and the protection of both passengers and crew. One of the critical elements contributing to aviation safety is the implementation of frangible solutions. Frangible structures are designed to break away upon impact. They play a crucial role in mitigating damage during accidents and enhancing safety in general. Here we explore the importance of frangible solutions in aviation, their design and functionality. We also discuss how frangible structures contribute to a much safer aviation environment.
What are frangible solutions?
Frangible solutions refer to structures that are specifically designed to fail or break away upon impact. These structures are placed in areas surrounding runways, taxiways, and other critical zones within an airport. The primary goal of frangible structures is to minimise damage to aircraft. A further goal is to reduce the risk of injury to passengers and crew in the event of a collision.
Importance of frangibility in aviation
The concept of frangibility in aviation is absolutely crucial for several reasons:
Enhanced safety – Frangible structures help to ensure that if an aircraft collides with an airfield structure, the structure will give way. This minimises damage to the aircraft and enhances the safety of those on board.
Compliance with regulations – In aviation, there are international regulatory bodies, e.g. the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They mandate the use of frangible structures in specific zones of the airfield to ensure safety.
Damage mitigation – By breaking away upon impact, frangible structures help to reduce the severity of accidents. This lowers repair costs and downtime for both the airport and the airline.
Design and functionality of frangible structures
Frangible structures are meticulously designed using advanced materials and engineering techniques to ensure they meet specific safety requirements. Key aspects of their design and functionality include:
Materials – Frangible structures are typically made from lightweight and corrosion-resistant materials such as glassfibre. These materials provide the necessary strength and durability while ensuring that the structures can break away easily upon impact.
Engineering – The design of frangible structures involves precise engineering to balance strength and frangibility. The structures must be strong enough to withstand environmental conditions but still fall safely upon collision.
Installation – Frangible structures are installed in critical areas such as runway lighting, approach masts, FOD towers and wind direction indicators (WDIs). Their placement is carefully planned to optimise safety and minimise risks.
Pollite’s role in providing frangible solutions
Pollite is a global leader in the design and manufacture of frangible structures for the aviation industry. Our commitment to innovation and safety has positioned us at the forefront of providing reliable and effective frangible solutions. Pollite enhances safety and complies with global standards. We also go the extra mile in terms of innovative designs and custom solutions. We incorporate the latest advancements in materials and engineering to ensure optimal performance. Our team works closely with airports and aviation authorities to deliver tailored solutions that meet specific safety needs and challenges.
Case Study: Sydney’s Kingsford Smith International Airport
A prime example of Pollite’s expertise in frangible solutions is the project we completed at Sydney’s Kingsford Smith International Airport. Working with Avionics Limited, Pollite manufactured and delivered over 150 frangible approach masts ranging from 0.5m to 6m in height. These masts, installed in 2014, significantly enhanced the safety of approaches 16R and 34L. This project goes to show the importance of frangibility in reducing the risk of severe damage during collisions.
Frangible solutions are a critical component of aviation safety. They are designed to protect aircraft, passengers, and crew by minimising damage in the event of a collision. As global leaders in this field, Pollite is dedicated to providing innovative, reliable, and compliant frangible structures. By taking the time to understand frangible solutions, the aviation industry can continue to ensure safer skies for everyone.
For more information about Pollite’s frangible solutions and our commitment to aviation safety, contact our team.