Runway Safety

Runway safety is a major concern for the aviation industry. The reduction in runway incursion incidents represents an opportunity to enhance runway safety.

ICAO defines a runway incursion to be “any occurrence at an aerodrome involving the incorrect presence of an
aircraft, vehicle or person on the protected area of a surface designated for the landing and take off of aircraft”
(ICAO Doc 4444–PANS-ATM).

Runway Incursions are a serious safety concern. Globally, runway incursions have resulted in collisions between aircraft,
and between aircraft and vehicles. Many result in fatalities.

Why do Runway Incursions occur?

Factors increasing the risk of runway incursions include:

• inattention or distraction
• poor visibility on the aerodrome
• aerodrome complexity
• use of non-standard phraseology leading to confusion or misunderstanding between pilots and ATC
  
• callsign confusion leading to pilot acting on an ATC instruction intended for another aircraft
• inadequate or confusing aerodrome signage
• loss of ATC and/or pilot situational awareness
• aerodrome construction work.

What can you do to prevent runway incursions?

Planning your aerodrome operation

• DO take the time to thoroughly plan the surface movement of your flight
• DO use a current aerodrome chart for planning and have it available during taxi
• DO identify when you need to be in “heads up” mode on the aerodrome.

Taxi Procedures

• DO write down taxi instructions, especially those that are complex
• DO exercise caution if another aircraft has a similar sounding callsign
• DO read back all required instructions/clearances with your callsign.

Situational Awareness

• DO ensure you understand and follow all ATC clearances and instructions
• DO monitor the radio and use an aerodrome chart to assist you locating other aircraft and vehicles on the aerodrome
• DO advise ATC as early as possible if you anticipate a delay or are unable to comply with their instructions
  
• DO NOT allow yourself to be distracted by matters not directly related to the flight.
  

Aircraft Lights

• DO use the exterior aircraft lights to make your aircraft more conspicuous.

Communications

• DO use standard phraseology and pay close attention to ATC instructions when taxiing
• DO use good radio technique. Prepare what you are going to say, say it clearly and concisely and acknowledge
  all clearances
• If you have any doubt about an instruction or clearance, always seek clarification from ATC.
  

Aerodrome markings, signs and lights

• DO ensure you understand the meaning of visual aids on the aerodrome including markings, signs and lights
• DO NOT cross an illuminated stop bar.

Runway Incursion Group

The Runway Incursion Group (RIG) is an Airservices Australia initiative. The RIG actively follow up runway incursion incidents, liaises with stakeholders and supports runway safety teams. Members include CASA, Australian Defence Force, General Aviation and a major airline.