How much asphalt can you chip away from an asphalt over concrete runway before installing a mobile aircraft arresting system?

The correct answer indicates that before installing a mobile aircraft arresting system (MAAS) on an asphalt over concrete runway, it is essential to limit the amount of asphalt that can be removed to less than 1 inch. This guideline is important to maintain the structural integrity and support of the underlying concrete, which is crucial for the stability of both the runway and the arresting system.

Removing too much asphalt could compromise the surface's ability to withstand the stresses imposed by aircraft landings and the dynamic loading from the arresting system, potentially leading to surface failure or inadequate performance of the MAAS. Therefore, the restriction to less than 1 inch is a key safety and engineering specification aimed at ensuring reliability and performance during aircraft operations.

In contrast, options suggesting 1 inch, up to 2 inches, or no limit would disregard the structural considerations and could lead to negative consequences regarding the effectiveness of the arresting system and runway safety. Limiting asphalt removal to less than an inch aligns with best practices in runway design and maintenance.