What allows the use of wide bodied aircraft on runways with a MAAS installed?

The use of wide-bodied aircraft on runways with a MAAS (Mobile Aircraft Arresting System) installed is permitted because of the implementation of setback kits and additional equipment. These kits are designed to enable the MAAS to function effectively without posing a hazard to larger aircraft during takeoff and landing operations. They help in adjusting the system's operational parameters or physical configurations, ensuring that the safety features remain effective while accommodating more significant aircraft.

Installing the MAAS further off the runway could be beneficial in some scenarios but primarily depends on specific runway dimensions and safety regulations. Simply using lighter aircraft does not resolve the fundamental design considerations necessary for ensuring safe operations with larger aircraft. Polyurethane wing deflectors, while aimed at managing wing tip clearance or air flow, do not directly address the requirements that allow wide-bodied aircraft to operate safely on runways equipped with a MAAS. Thus, the rationale behind using setback kits and additional equipment becomes evident, as they specifically enhance the runway's adaptability for accommodating larger aircraft operations safely.