July 2018

296 297 ects that essentially eliminated that dip in the runway and installed the only EMAS system in Colorado,” Maenpa explains. EMAS, short for Engineered Materials Arresting System, is a bed of engineered materials built at the end of a runway to reduce the severity of the consequences of a runway excursion. In other words, there are high energy absorbing materials which will reliably and predictably crush under the weight of an aircraft. The purpose of an EMAS is to stop an aircraft overrun with no human injury and minimal aircraft damage. The aircraft is slowed by the loss of energy required to crush the EMAS material. It is similar in concept to the runaway truck ramp made of gravel or sand. “Today the runway length is 7,111 x 100 feet with paved shoulders and EMAS systems on both ends,” Maenpa points out with pride, “and along with that, we did a significant airfield project with partial taxiways and the rehabilitation of aircraft parking apron, which was completed last year. Construction seasons are relatively short compared to other climates because we are in a mountainous area and at 9,070’ elevation.” TELLURIDE REGIONAL AIRPORT If Maenpa could point to one factor which goes the furthest in explaining the Airport’s success, it would be a willingness to employ the latest in safety technology. “We have the EMAS system, new RNAV procedures, and we continue to look for ways to enhance our safety.We are one of the few airports that owns a private special approach designed for larger category C aircraft. The Gulfst- ream 650 and Bombardier Global are the largest aircraft that can fly into the Airport.” “As we look to the future, we plan to continue to embrace technology enhancing the safety and dependability of flying into an airport located in a mountain environment,” Maenpa reiterates. “That is the number one focus. There are several gener- al aviation manufacturers like Bombardier, Gulfst- ream, and Honda Jet who have utilized our air- port because of our elevation and terrain to test aircraft performance.We are proud to be partners with the general aviation community and pilots enjoy flying into our facility and appreciate our numerous improvements to the airfield and the terminal.” In terms of facilities, Telluride has one large