New FAA runway safety programme introduced at US airports

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced the implementation of a new runway safety initiative known as Runway Incursion Mitigation (RIM) at US airports.

The FAA will be working with airport sponsors over the next 10-15 years to reduce runway risks through risk based decision making. The Runway Incursion Mitigation programme will identify airport risk factors that may contribute to a runway incursion and develop strategies to help airport sponsors lessen those risks.

Runway incursions occur when an aircraft, vehicle, or person enters the protected area of an airport designated for aircraft landings and take-offs. Risk factors that contribute to runway incursions may include unclear taxiway markings, airport signage, and more complex issues such as the runway or taxiway layout. Through RIM, the FAA will focus on reducing runway incursions by addressing risks at specific locations at the airport that have a history of runway incursions.

Over the past 15 years the FAA has put in place measures designed to improve runway safety including education, training, marking and lighting, standard runway safety areas, new technology and airfield improvements. The authority has already collected and reviewed data to identify specific airport areas with risk factors that could contribute to a runway incursion and has drawn up a list of airports where runway incursions have already occurred.