Pilot Training and Outreach

FAA’s Flight Standards collaborates with key safety groups to reach as many pilots as possible with the runway safety message. This collaboration provides training material that addresses current runway safety issues. In FY2013, Flight Standards Service updated appropriate pilot Practical Test Standards with required testing tasks on Runway Incursion avoidance during pilot certification. Pending updates to FAA Order 8900.1 (9/13/07), Flight Standards Information Management System will finalize the Runway Incursion remedial training program and a remedial training syllabus and make it available through FAASafety.gov to assist GA pilots in avoiding Runway Incursions. To support this effort, the FAA provides DPE initial training in Oklahoma City at least two times during the year, training more than 50 DPEs yearly. When finalized, pilots contributing to Runway Incursions would be required, in certain cases, to complete mandatory remedial training with either a DPE for a Category A or B Runway Incursion, or a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) recommended by the FAA Safety Team (FAAST) for a Category C Runway Incursion. Flight Standards has also published a new chapter, Runway Incursion Avoidance, in the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. Additionally, Flight Standards updated Advisory Circular 120-74B Part 121, 125, and 135 Flightcrew Procedures during Taxi Operations (7/30/12) and Advisory Circular 91-73B Parts 91 and 135 Single Pilot, Flight School Procedures during Taxi Operations (7/30/12), directed at aircraft with flight crews, single pilots and flight school operators to address procedures and knowledge needed to avoid Runway Incursions.

The FAA “Taxi Test” was produced by the Runway Safety Group and FAAST and viewed on FAASTeamTV. This 60-minute video provides a comprehensive look at runway safety best practices including a review of signs, markings, and lighting and describes scenarios where particular caution must be observed while taxiing. To date, over 12,500 people have viewed this presentation.

AOPA Online Training

The AOPA online runway safety course is a comprehensive training and examination available to both AOPA members and non-members. The course includes:

• An in-depth guide to airport signs, pavement markings and lighting
• Re-creations of several real-life runway incidents and accidents
• Valuable real-world insights from air traffic controllers
• Best practices for communication at towered and nontowered

The course continues to present a multitude of interactive exercises to help pilots hone their surface safety skills. It also provides airmen with a thorough review of every aspect of runway safety. To date, more than 20,000 pilots have completed the course and passed the quiz. An updated course was completed and available in January 2015.

Hot Spots

ICAO defines a hot spot as “a location on an aerodrome movement area with a history or potential risk of collision or Runway Incursion, and where heightened attention by pilots and drivers is necessary.” Identifying hot spots makes it easier for users of an airport to plan the safest possible path of movement. Hot spots also call attention to potentially confusing airport areas so pilots can exercise extra care.

Planning is a crucial safety activity for airport users, both pilots and air traffic controllers alike. By making sure that aircraft surface movements are planned and properly coordinated with air traffic control, pilots add another layer of safety to their flight preparations. Proper planning helps avoid confusion by eliminating last-minute questions and building familiarity with known problem areas.