A blast pad is:
- An area before the threshold that is prepared to resist erosion arising from jet exhaust or propeller wash
- Not designed to support the weight of an aircraft
- Marked with yellow chevrons when over 60 metres in length
A stopway is:
- A rectangular area on the ground at the end of the takeoff run and prepared as a suitable area in which an aeroplane can be stopped in the case of a rejected takeoff.
- Marked over its entire length with yellow chevrons when its length exceeds 60 metres.
- Lit with red edge and end lights in the take-off direction.
- Included in the accelerate-stop distance available (ASDA) declared for the runway. For example, if the takeoff run available is 3,000 ft long and there is a 750 ft long stopway beyond the end of the runway, the ASDA is 3,750 ft.
Although they may appear similar, stopways can support the full weight of an aircraft and are designated for use during a rejected takeoff, while blast pads are not designed to support an aircraft’s weight.
- Accelerate Stop Distance (ASDA): The runway required to accelerate to rotation seed and then bring the aircraft to a complete stop.
- Rejected Takeoff: A manoeuvre performed during the take-off roll if the flight crew determines that the take-off should not be continued.
- Takeoff Run: The length of runway declared available and suitable for the ground run of an aeroplane taking off.
- AIM AGA 3.9 Clearway
- AIM AGA 3.7 Blast Pad