What is a Runway Safety Area (RSA)?

• A. A defined safety area around a runway to reduce risk of aircraft overruns or excursions
• B. An area for aircraft parking
• C. A drainage zone beside the runway
• D. A temporary construction zone

Answer: (A)

A Runway Safety Area is the defined buffer surrounding a runway that is kept clear of obstacles to reduce the risk of damage or injury if an aircraft overruns, undershoots, or deviates off the runway. This space provides a safe margin for the aircraft to slide or stop and for recovery in the event of an excursion, beyond just the paved runway surface. The other choices describe different airport areas—parking areas for aircraft, drainage zones, and temporary construction zones—not the protective buffer around the runway.