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The fourth runway at Tokyo Haneda International Airport is to be constructed in part on a pier structure where it extends across a river mouth. Factors expected to affect aircraft operation safety and riding comfort are the deflection of the pier deck and the faulting between the pier structure and the adjoining reclaimed land. The objective of this study is to investigate these effects using a subjective evaluation method and, on the basis of the results, to select a suitable pier structure. Flight simulators representing the operation of a Boeing 747 and a DC 9-81 are used for this purpose. Runway profiles are created to represent different magnitudes of deflection and faulting, and these are input into the simulation program. Responses obtained from participants (experienced pilots) in the form of a questionnaire are recorded on a four-point scale. Analysis indicates that the operation safety and riding comfort decrease with the increase in deflection or faulting. Riding quality ratings are poorer than those for operation safety. Based on the criterion that at least 50% of the pilots rated the riding quality of a runway surface as uncomfortable or worse, an appropriate pier structure and the critical value of faulting are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]