Arresting System

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.

Source: FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary (definition from the 2023 edition; current: Change 1 of 7 August 2025).

Reference: AIM.

See also

Glossary last updated 2026-10-28.

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