How can you reduce runway incursions?

Runway incursions are serious safety hazards that can lead to collisions, injuries, and fatalities. They occur when an aircraft, vehicle, or person enters the runway without authorization or clearance. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there were 1,831 runway incursions in the United States in 2020, a slight decrease from 2019 but still a high number. How can you reduce runway incursions and improve your situational awareness on the ground? Here are some tips and best practices to follow.

1 Know the airport layout

Before you fly to or from an unfamiliar airport, study the airport diagram and identify the runway and taxiway configuration, the hot spots, the signs, and the markings. Review the taxi routes and the communication frequencies. Use a moving map display or an electronic flight bag (EFB) to help you navigate and monitor your position. If you are unsure or confused, ask for progressive taxi instructions from the ground controller.

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Oswaldo M │ Aeronautics Appraiser │ Tangible and intangible assets Appraiser │

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Dont hesitate to asking for taxi instructions to the ground control. They always help you and youre not a bad pilot if you asking for.

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2 Listen and communicate clearly

Pay attention to the radio transmissions and avoid distractions in the cockpit. Use standard phraseology and read back all clearances and instructions. Confirm your call sign and the runway number. Acknowledge any hold short or crossing instructions. If you hear or see something that does not match your clearance or expectation, query the controller or state your intentions. Do not hesitate to declare an emergency if you are in a potential conflict situation.

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3 Scan and look out

Use your eyes and ears to scan the environment and look out for other traffic, vehicles, or obstacles on or near the runway. Check the runway status lights (RWSL) and the traffic information service - broadcast (TIS-B) if available. Follow the visual cues such as the runway entrance lights (REL), the takeoff hold lights (THL), and the runway end identifier lights (REIL). If you see any red lights, stop immediately and contact the controller. If you see any conflicting traffic, take evasive action and report it.

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Also It is very important that if you are in doubt you call ATC and ask for confirmation and clearance to enter the runway. And look on each side to ensure if any traffic is in the final phase of landing. Doubt is never good in aviation. certainty is your best friend

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4 Follow the rules and procedures

Know and comply with the rules and procedures for runway safety, such as the runway incursion avoidance advisory circular (AC 91-73B) and the pilot's handbook of aeronautical knowledge (PHAK). Review the notices to airmen (NOTAMs) and the airport construction notices (ACNs) for any changes or closures. Avoid making assumptions or shortcuts. Be courteous and cooperative with other pilots and controllers. Report any incidents or deviations to the appropriate authorities.

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5 Train and practice

The best way to reduce runway incursions is to train and practice regularly. Take advantage of the online courses, videos, quizzes, and publications offered by the FAA, AOPA, and other aviation organizations. Participate in the runway safety action team (RSAT) meetings and the runway safety seminars at your local airport. Seek feedback and guidance from your instructor, mentor, or examiner. Learn from your own and others' experiences and mistakes.

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6 Stay alert and vigilant

Finally, remember that runway incursions can happen to anyone, anywhere, and anytime. Whether you are a student pilot or a seasoned professional, you need to stay alert and vigilant on the ground. Maintain a positive and proactive attitude towards runway safety. Be prepared for the unexpected and ready to react. Keep your situational awareness high and your risk tolerance low. By doing so, you can reduce runway incursions and enhance your aviation safety and reliability.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Dale Bode, MAvnMgt

Base Aviation Safety Officer - 24SQN RAAF Edinburgh
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Being responsible for airside driver training, it’s become evident that teaching airside drivers to understand radio chatter particularly between ATC and pilots enhances situational awareness and therefore potential runway incursions

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Oswaldo M │ Aeronautics Appraiser │ Tangible and intangible assets Appraiser │

Appraisals of: Business │ Brands │ Intangibles │ Machinery & Equipment │ Airplanes & Helicopters │ Aeronautics assets │ Aeronautical business & Brands │ Private Pilot, Ham Radio & Biker in free time
(edited)
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Regardless of training, the mental state of the pilots must be that of a professional and take nothing for granted. clear and readback communications and respect the basic rules of airport operation. the waiting points before any runway. Light codes and signage should not be ignored. Redundancy is your main ally.

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How can you reduce runway incursions?

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1 Know the airport layout

2 Listen and communicate clearly

3 Scan and look out

4 Follow the rules and procedures

5 Train and practice

6 Stay alert and vigilant

7 Here’s what else to consider

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