Federal Aviation Administration

Situational Awareness Tips MONITOR ATC communications. Easy Steps to Avoid Reducing Runway Incursions: Prior to driving on the airfield: BE PREPARED to vacate the runway or Incursions runway safety area on short notice. Always coordinate with manage- Driving on the Airport ment maintenance and repair activity in COMPLETE FAA sponsored web-based DON'T DEVIATE from established access accordance with established policy. FY 2009 runway safety education program at: routes and designated roadways. Don't take www.aopa.org/asf/runway_safety. Certificate shortcuts. awarded upon completion. BE FAMILIAR WITH THE AIRPORT LAYOUT. Keep current airport diagram MINIMIZE distractions such as paperwork, readily available. If you find the diagram is DETERMINE if the airport has a local drivers' food or beverages, cell phones or not current, contact airport management. training program for that airport. If one exists, conversation. complete the training before accessing the Use perimeter roads when possible. airport. USE available memory aids as reminders to

operate vehicles safely. COORDINATE access to the airport through Always check NOTAMs/ATIS. the airport manager or operations department. Preventing Incursions and Establish and maintain radio FAMILIARIZE yourself with airport layout Incidents While Operating communications with ATCT when you changes due to construction, maintenance, access the airfield. etc. Know the airport frequency, and plan Vehicles on an Airfield your route ahead of time. Listen carefully, transmit clearly, and read back all instructions. Make a commitment to eliminate V/PD

While on the airfield: runway incursions by focusing on effective Write down all clearances, when possible. coordination and communication among all

partners in the aviation system (technicians, MUST ACCESS facilities by using vehicle Admit when you’ve lost situational airport operators/management, controllers, roads in lieu of driving on the runways and awareness, and contact ATCT etc.), heightening situational awareness, and taxiways, whenever possible (Order immediately. preventing miscommunications. 6000.15, para. 342). Pay attention to signs, lighting and LOCK gates or watch marking. Use a Ground Vehicle Guide to automatic gates close Basic Types of Hold Position Signs Airport Signs. completely before proceeding. Understand signs, lightings and markings. COMMUNICATE and read back instruc- Look both ways before crossing. tions from ATC while moving on the airfield. NEVER ASSUME ANYTHING - Don't be afraid to ask WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK! for clarifications. ATO-S, Office of Safety, Runway Safety Program FAA Runway Safety www.faa.gov/runwaysafety Field Operations

FAA VEHICLES AND PERSONNEL What is a Runway Incursion (RI)? What is a Runway Safety Area Best Practice: Knowledge and Understanding of OFTEN ACCESS THE MOVEMENT and Why is it Important to Me? YOUR Runway Safety Area AREA TO GET THE JOB DONE. A runway incursion is defined as any occurrence at an aerodrome involving the “Safety Area” means a defined area 250’ 500’ 1,000’ incorrect presence of an , vehicle or comprised of either a runway or taxiway and 1,000’ 9 person on the protected area of a surface the surrounding surfaces that is prepared or 7 7 2 2 Ground Control Frequency designated for the landing and take off of suitable for reducing the risk of damage to aircraft. aircraft in the event of an undershoot, over- 250’ shoot, or excursion from a runway or the What is a Vehicle/Pedestrian unintentional departure from a taxiway. Deviation (V/PD)? In simple terms, when you enter an active runway or its safety area WITHOUT Typical Runway SafetyRamp Area Dimensions Who? Vehicle/pedestrian deviations result from a vehicle operator or pedestrian accessing the clearance, and interfere with an aircraft Where? airfield movement area or runway safety taking off or landing on the same runway, What? areas without authorization. YOU'VE COMMITTED A RUNWAY V/PD's make up approximately 19% of all INCURSION! incursions. We must get the job done, but we must do it safely. All FAA employees will attend their assigned airport operator’s current driver DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR training program for airport access at air RUNWAY SAFETY AREA IS LOCATED? carrier . ARE YOU "SITUATIONALLY AWARE?” IS YOUR HEAD ON A SWIVEL?

Signage Found at Access Points to the Runway Safety Areas Along Service Roads, BUT NOT ALWAYS. DON’T ASSUME!

Can You Help Reduce Runway Incursions While Driving on an Airfield Movement Area? YES YOU CAN!

ARE YOU IN THE RUNWAY SAFETY AREA?