Runway Incursions - What's going on??

Question

Hey everyone,

I'm in the process of finding a good school to train for my pilot's license and have a question (there is no such thing as a stupid question, only stupid answers, right?). All throughout the news, I've been hearing about "near-misses" or a near-runway incursion, the latest being at Baltimore-Washington, where they said that two planes missed each other by 300 feet. Now, 300 feet seems like an alright barrier if I consider that planes probably come closer to each other when one is landing and another is "holding short" of the runway for take-off, right? I'm unsure, but what is going on with all of this stuff, and why is it happening so much? What causes it? Pilot inattention?

Answer 1

Runway Incursions and Surface Incursions are two of the FAA's top priority items for AVS (Aviation Safety). It is a common misconception that they occur more frequently in General Aviation than Air Carrier (Airline) operations. The data shows that they are fairly evenly split.



Another misconception is that controllers rarely make mistakes. They are just as human as you and I and are equally likely to make procedural mistakes. Therefore it is imperative that both pilots and controllers be vigil during operations.



I believe you are hearing about incursions more and more frequently becuase our airports (and airspace) are becoming more and more saturated. There is simply more traffic on the ground and in the sky now verses 10 years ago. Even with airport expansion and airspace reconfiguration, there is only so much room available.



It is remarkable that there are not more incursions than there already are. Causes range from pilot inattention to controller error. There is really no one overriding reason why a runway or surface incursion occurs.



The FAA is working towards finding root-causes of all runway and surface incursions. In particular, the FAA has implemented the Runway Incursion Information Evaluation Program (RIIEP). This program deals with pilots who have had an incursion and works with the pilot to determine all factors involved in an attempt to determine the root-cause. Normally, the FAA forgoes legal enforcement against pilots who elect to participate in this program.



In addition to the FAA, AOPA (www.aopa.org) has an online seminar dealing with incursions...a very useful presentation. Fly Safe!!!

Answer 2

It's not a stupid question as it's a serious problem. Most incursions are caused by general aviation aircraft, and yes, pilot inattention. Sometimes they are caused by controller mistakes, but that's rare. The bottom line is that you need to pay attention, and never cross a hold short line unless you are sure you have a clearance. It happens more at certain airports, and they even mark the worst areas on the chart. My suggestion would be to stay away from larger airports unless you have some experience, or you are with an instructor. Take your time and make sure you understand your taxi clearance. Look for other aircraft on final, even when you are cleared for takeoff. Listen on frequency to what other aircraft are doing. If in doubt, ask ATC again.

Answer 3

a near miss of 300 feet is a pretty close call.. it might seem like a lot but think of it like a car running a red light.. you dont see that car run the light until its possibly to late.. it catches you by surprise cuz its not suppose to be there.. and when your traveling at high speeds, 300 feet is only a second away from a collision.. a plane thats holding short is expected to hold short, just like a car at a red light.. you might speed by that car at 50 mph but you believe hes not going to blast through the red light so you think its safe.. there arent any traffic lights or stop signs to tell you what to do in the air.. just ATC.. and even then, incidents happen.. sometimes communication gets mixed up.. theres lots of reason why this kind of stuff happens. part of it may be due to pilot inattention... we have a lot going on when we are trying to land.. another reason might be congestion.. major airports can also be confusing.. the taxi charts and taxi instructions can be very long and are easily mixed up..



now that your getting in to the aviation field, you will probably hear a lot more about accidents and incidents.. the best thing you can do is understand why they happened and adjust your routine so it doesnt happen to you..

Answer 4

When aircraft are holding short for landing traffic it's is controlled and the hold short aircraft should know that there is landing traffic. There are numerous things that pilots can do (other than the obvious action of just paying attention to where you are) to avoid incursions. First of all, always have your taxiway diagram in view while taxiing. Once you are cleared to taxi, trace your route on the diagram. Also and most importantly note, ALL places that you are directed to hold short. Don't be afraid to ask for progressive taxi instructions if you need them. While you're taxiing you certainly won't get in trouble for making sure you're going the right way and know your holds. Make sure to pay attention to what they say! ATC does not like to repeat things. Also, always look both ways before crossing a taxiway intersection or runway. Good luck with your flying.

Neal

Commercial

Answer 5

besides Denver the U.S. has not built an airport in 50 years ever thing needs to be updated

Answer 6

it's the swiss cheese model.