Feature Vid - “What about Runway Safety?”

Most people associated safety with security, but what about runway safety? With planes arriving and departing 24/7, it’s crucial that runways be kept clear of “FOD” (Foreign Object Debris). FOD can represent huge costs to the airport: delayed flights, airline damages and human safety.

Lucky for us, YVR is way ahead of their game. There are two key components to YVR’s AirSide Safety program, 1). the human and 2). the Tarsiers.

Airport code states that a runway must be checked by a human twice every 24 hours. YVR checks their runways once every six hours minimum. That’s where Elise Fullerton’s job comes into play. It is her duty to cruise down the runway (in between ongoing plane activity) and spot FOD. Elise and her team are on YVR’s runways 24/7, to ensure safety for YVR passengers.

YVR is also the first airport in the world to adopt a special technology known as the Tarsiers System. Named after that furry little tropical critter that can turn its head 360 degrees and see through dark, the Tarsiers System acts as Elise’s super human eyes. It can spot anything from a large piece of metal, to a small nut from over 1000ft away. It’s already paid for itself, as you’ll find out in this video.

So as you’re observing the tarmac activity from your departing gates (or YVR’s observation deck), look for the bright lime/yellow SUV truck with flashing lights, that might just be Elise helping to ensure the safety of your flight.