Pilot/Controller Glossary
ARRESTING SYSTEM
This reproduces published FAA reference text for study. It does not replace the current official FAA publication or regulation.
A safety device consisting of two major components, namely, engaging or catching devices and energy absorption devices for the purpose of arresting both tailhook and/or nontailhook‐equipped aircraft. It is used to prevent aircraft from overrunning runways when the aircraft cannot be stopped after landing or during aborted takeoff. Arresting systems have various names; e.g., arresting gear, hook device, wire barrier cable.
Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 18, 2026.