What is a major limitation of soft-concrete arresting beds?

The choice that states soft-concrete arresting beds cannot support the weight of an aircraft accurately highlights a significant limitation of this type of safety feature. Soft-concrete arresting beds are primarily designed to slow down and stop aircraft in emergencies, especially during landing overruns. However, because of their construction, they cannot handle the full weight of larger aircraft. This limitation renders them unsuitable for routine landings or for providing structural support under heavy aircraft, as the material can deform or break under such loads.

In contrast, while soft-concrete arresting beds can effectively dissipate energy during an emergency situation, they are not built to withstand or support commerce on runways that involve regular traffic of heavy planes. Their primary role is to enhance safety, providing a controlled environment for aircraft to decelerate, but not to offer steady support akin to conventional runway materials. Understanding this limitation is crucial for airport rescue and firefighting professionals, as it informs their strategies and responses to emergency situations involving aircraft.