Runway Safety - Pilots

The best practices were developed by FAA staff to help pilots improve safety by giving guidelines that should be followed to keep skills and focus current and vigilant. Remember: over 80% of pilot- caused runway incursions occur during taxi to the departure runway..

PRE-FLIGHT PLANNING:

1. Review and understand airfield signage and markings.
2. Review the appropriate airport diagrams.  Review any Hot Spots identified on the diagram.  Print a copy for use in the cockpit. 
3. Review airfield NOTAMS and current ATIS for any taxiway closures, runway closures, construction activity, or other airfield specific risks.
4. Brief any passengers on the importance to minimize discussions, questions, and conversation during taxi (maintain a “sterile cockpit”).

TAXI:

1. Have the airport diagram out and available for immediate reference during taxi.
2. Review current ATIS for any taxiway closures, runway closures, construction activity, or other airfield specific risks.
3. During radio transmissions, use correct terminology and proper voice cadence.

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REMEMBER:  WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK!

AOPA Foundation Air Safety Institute Learning Tools: The following are tools and resources, developed by FAA's Runway Safety Program and the AOPA Foundation's Air Safety Institute, that can provide valuable information for commercial and general aviation pilots. Pilots should use these tools and review them periodically to optimize safe surface operating practices.

Runway Safety Course:
www.airsafetyinstitute.org/runwaysafety
Flash Cards:
http://www.aopa.org/asf/publications/flashcards/RWcards_lo.pdf

Construction Resources for Pilots

• Line Up and Wait
• Best Practices (PDF)
• Construction Notices
• Construction Animations
• Runway Status Lights
• Communication and Advisory How To Guides
  • SaFo (PDF)
  • SaFo Explanation (PDF)
  • InFo (PDF)
  • InFo Explanation (PDF)
• Communication and Advisory Samples
  • JFK Ops During Rwy Closure (PDF)
  • MSP 2009 (MS PowerPoint)
  • MSP OIS Message (MS Word)
  • Industry Best Practices Reference List (PDF)
  • Sample from ORD (PDF)
  • Sample InFo Document #1 (PDF)
  • Sample InFo Document #2 (PDF)
  • Sample InFo Document #3 (PDF)
  • Sample Notice (PDF)
  • Sample Notice #2 (PDF)
  • Sample SaFo - ATL (PDF)
• Additional Materials and Resources
  • Link to ALPA Runway Risks Page
  • General Safety Information
  • Air Traffic Orders and Notices
  • Free Digital Products
  • NOTAM Search
  • Airport Project Advisory Circulars

Airport Diagram Search Tool

• Airport Diagram Search Tool