Evaluation of Aviation Rumble Strips

This interim report provides information about one potential strategy to mitigate the risk of incursions: rumble strips tailored to aviation. Aviation rumble strips may provide advance warning when entering an active runway or taxiway entrance that has published “hot spots.”

A test bed of raised and sawcut rumble strips was installed, and quantitative and qualitative assessments were performed with a Cirrus SR20, Cessna 152, Cessna 172, Piper PA-28 Warrior, and Piper PA-34 Seneca at varying taxiing speeds. This test fleet represents approximately 66% of aircraft operating at general aviation (GA) airports. This interim report provides tables and graphics that summarize both qualitative and quantitative data. The sawcut and raised rumble strips were clearly discernable in the three-axis acceleration data for all GA aircraft at all speeds. The work is ongoing, but discussion of these preliminary results by the aviation community will be valuable to shape future research and testing.

DOT/FAA/TC-15/2
Authors: Darcy M. Bullock, Sarah M. L. Hubbard, Colin Furr, Brock Gilllum, Donald W. Gallagher, and Mike DiPilato