Evaluation of Fiber-Optic Runway Distance Remaining (RDR) Signs

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Office of Aviation Research, Airport Technology Research and Development Branch, AAR-410, conducted this project at the request of the FAA Office of Airport Safety and Standards, AAS-1. The purpose of this evaluation was to determine the effectiveness of fiber-optic runway distance remaining (RDR) signs.

An initial evaluation conducted at the William J. Hughes Technical Center, Atlantic City International Airport, New Jersey, revealed that the prototype fiber-optic distance remaining signs were a significant enhancement over the traditional sign units currently installed across the country. To validate this finding, it was decided to conduct an in-service evaluation at the Greater Pittsburgh International Airport. The signs were installed for a 1-year period, at which time questionnaires were distributed to local pilots. The questionnaire responses showed that 93% of the pilots thought the signs were “very effective,” and that 79% of them thought the signs were “better than” the traditional RDR signs. Subjects used the terms “sharper,” “clearer,” and “stood out better” frequently to explain the differences between the traditional signs and the fiber-optic units. The sharper appearance of the sign legend results in better performance during low-visibility conditions, a characteristic that had been noted on occasion during observation of the prototype fiber-optic sign at the Technical Center. This technical note provides a summary of the results found during this evaluation, and suggests that fiber-optic RDR signs be integrated into existing specifications so that they can be used as a safety enhancement at U.S. airports.