Question:
Runway incursions need to be eliminated. Would a traffic light system help pilots at busy airports?
stuttgart
2007-12-20 12:56:28 UTC
Would some other measure be more effective?
The public may think it should be easier to control aircraft on the ground than in the air? Would they be correct?
Five answers:
KMOX
2007-12-20 13:53:57 UTC
Many airport's use "stopbars" (a flashing row of lights near runway edges) and "wig-wag lights" (alternating blinking lights positioned near runways. Additionally, the use of green and red "traffic lights" at runway entrance points is being tested.



The FAA is really focusing on runway incursions as we move forward because they are a serious source of potential problems. Programs such as the Runway Incursion Information Evaluation Program (RIIEP) are working towards determining root-causes of runway incursions. It will have to be an industry-wide effort in order to reduce and control the amount and severity of runway incursions.



As far as controlling traffic, every controller I've talked to has said Ground Control is the most demanding position in the Tower. When aircraft are airborne, controllers have that 3rd dimension to work with while separating traffic. On the ground, especially at larger airports during "pushes", the demand on the controller is VERY high.
bobbs b
2007-12-20 21:00:15 UTC
Already in place at some airports, dfw for sure. And hell ya it's easier to control a plane on the ground, just think about it for a second. A plane can stop completely on the ground, however in the air it MUST continue to move at a specific airspeed to maintain flight, often around 200 mph minimum. It's a lot easier to control a stationary object than a bunch of moving ones....
Jason
2007-12-21 00:24:19 UTC
Yes it would, and thats why that system is installed at every major airport in the US, and most of them around the world.



Its called SMGCS ("Smiggs") or Surface Mounted Ground Control System. It works and is installed at nearly every major airport in the US. Whenever the visibility drops below a certain threshold, aircraft are guided by a series of green and red sequential lights to their destination and move from spot to spot that are marked by a large pink dot on the ground.
comair
2007-12-20 21:02:19 UTC
stuttgart this is one of your crzy stupid things i have to agree with you on this....i do think the number of Runway incursions needs to be eliminated... at dallas fort worth they already have these in place but i think the FAA should make this a new law that all major airports in the united states should have one
2007-12-20 21:18:41 UTC
Yes i agree, although what if these fail?


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