Sun-n-Fun 2001 Sun-n-Fun 2001

Steve Shaffer

National RunwaySafety Program

Steve Shaffer

National RunwaySafety Program

April 13, 2001

“Runway collisions could cause more U.S. domestic jet deaths over the next two decades than all other causes combined.”

Dr. Arnold Barnett, Ph.D.Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Model shows one airline jet colliding with another - causing 700-800 deaths and injuries to 200-plus occupants.

MIT Models Show Three Fatal U.S. Jet Aircraft Runway Collisions between 2003-2022

“Runway safety is one of the Federal Aviation Administration’s ‘Top Five’ safety priorities”

Jane F. Garvey, AdministratorFederal Aviation Administration

“FAA needs to be more effective in its actions to decrease the numbers of runway incursions and operational errors…”Kenneth M. Mead, Inspector General U.S. Department of Transportation

“For the last decade, reducing runway incursions has been on

the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) “Most Wanted” list of transportation safety improvements.”

Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board

0

50

100

150

200

250

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

OE PD VPD

187 223 281 242 219 186 200 240 275 292 325 321 361

Runway Incursions by Incursion TypesNote: CY 2000 data is preliminary and subject to change. Data valid as of October 31, 2000

Data & Trends

429 Runway Incursions During CY 2000

Trends

Trends

256 Pilot 256 Pilot Deviations Deviations

during 2000during 2000

Pilot Deviations

by operations

type

Trends

1998

1999

2000

Incursions by type

Collision Risk Categories

EXTREMELY HIGHA collision is narrowly avoided through last minute action or by chance

HIGHCorrective action was necessary – taken by ATC or flight crew and near collision was avoided

MEDIUMSerious error but without close conflict

LOWAll others

Peak Risk Events

• Reduced visibility

• Language barriers

• Mechanics taxiing aircraft

• Last flight before a runway change

• ATC combined positions

Peak Risk Events (cont.)

• Clearance delivery on Ground Control

• New tower where formerly there was none

• Failure to hold short of the parallel runway

• Anticipated/expected clearances

Current Initiatives

• Promote Aviation Community Participation in Runway Safety Activities and Solutions

• Appointed 9 Regional Runway Safety Program Managers

• Provide Training, Education and Awareness for Pilots, Controllers, and Vehicle Operators– Wide range of videos, computer training, brochures

Current Initiatives

• Increase the visibility of runway hold line markings– Change existing standards to require double-sized markings

(outlined in black with glass beads) at all certificated and towered airports.

• Publish Advisory Circular for Airport Surface Operations– Standard operating procedures for airport surface operations. For

single and dual piloted aircraft. – Covers cockpit issues such as planning, situational awareness,

techniques for transiting complex intersections, intra-cockpit coordination and communications with ATC

Regional Workshops

• Great Lakes 28-29 March• Eastern 14 April• Alaskan 16-18 April• NW Mountain 18 April• Southern 25-26 April• Central 3-4 May• Southwest 30-31 May• New England 15-16 May• Western Pacific TBD/April• International Summit TBD

www.faa.gov/runwaysafety

Great Idea!

Clear & Concise Communications

• Listen before you transmit

• Know exactly what you want to say when you call the tower

• Never assume! Ensure you understand all instructions

• Readback all “hold short” instructions

Airport Familiarity

• Review, and if possible, carry airfield charts/diagrams (departure/arrival airport as a minimum)

• Be responsible for familiarization of arrival and departure airport configurations

• Be involved in local safety briefings and Safety Manager presentations

Airport Familiarity

• Review FAA Air Traffic Bulletins for pertinent runway safety information

• Review Airport Circulars

• When in doubt, request progressive taxi

Proper Cockpit Procedures

• Avoid unnecessary conversation during surface operations

• Constantly scan outside of the cockpit

• If lost, contact the tower immediately

• Increase aircraft conspicuity through proper use of aircraft lights

Low Visibility Operations

• Increased vigilance is required

• Cockpit workload & distractions tend to increase

• As cockpit activities increase, attention to detail tends to decrease

• Fatigue levels increase

Team Effort

We will never be satisfied with status quo when it comes to safety. It cannot depend on one person; it requires a commitment and vigilance by all of the players. And that is one of our biggest accomplishments with the renewed program in runway safety.

Teamwork

To effectively mitigate the increasing number of runway incursions and related surface incidents, everyone

must get INVOLVED!!