Definition
A device installed on certain runways to rapidly slow or stop an aircraft in an emergency by engaging a hook or similar attachment on the aircraft with a cable or net stretched across the runway surface.
Plain English
Equipment placed across a runway that catches an aircraft and brings it to a quick stop when normal braking won't be enough.
Context Anchor
Seen on airport diagrams and airport sketches for airports, especially military or joint-use airports, where runway arresting equipment is installed.
Derivation
From 'arrest,' meaning to stop or hold back, and 'gear,' meaning equipment. The term comes from naval aviation, where carrier-based aircraft are 'arrested' on landing by a tailhook catching a cable on the deck.
Why Pilots Care
Awareness prevents accidental engagement during normal takeoffs and landings while ensuring the system is available for emergency stops.
Intuition Check
Do not read arresting as a police action, and do not read gear as the airplane’s landing gear. Here, arresting gear means runway equipment designed to stop an aircraft.
Example Sentence 1
The airport diagram showed arresting gear about 1,500 feet from the approach end of runway 27.
Example Sentence 2
In an emergency the pilot positioned the aircraft to engage the arresting gear and stop safely.