In accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines, the Boca Raton Airport Authority (BRAA) completed an Operational Needs Assessment and Runway Safety Area (RSA) Study in 2012. The objective of the study was to assess alternatives to enhance the RSAs at both ends of the runway. RSAs are clear areas established to enhance safety in the event of an aircraft undershoot, overrun, or excursion from the side of the runway. The standard RSA extends from 240 feet to 1,000 feet beyond each runway end and is between 120 feet and 500 feet wide, depending on the type of instrument approach procedures and size and type of aircraft served by the runway.

An Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) uses materials of closely controlled strength and density placed at the end of a runway to stop or greatly slow an aircraft that overruns the runway. The best material found to date is a lightweight, crushable concrete. When an aircraft rolls into an EMAS arrestor bed the tires of the aircraft sink into the lightweight concrete and the aircraft is decelerated by having to roll through the material. This safety measure saves lives, property and minimizes damage to aircraft, the Airport and areas beyond the Airport.