Federal Aviation Administration

Runway Safety - Vehicle Drivers

This section for Vehicle Drivers is best suited for those personnel operating on the AOA (Airport Operations Area) to learn and utilize tools which aide you best to help improve safety on the runway. It includes best practices, educational tools and resources, airport diagrams and hot spots, training and instruction, and briefings or meetings held by the Runway Safety Office.

Best Practices for Airfield Safety - Vehicle Drivers

  1. Review and understand airfield signage and markings.
  2. Review the airport diagram prior to moving the vehicle.  Have the airport diagram out and available for immediate reference while driving in the operational area.
  3. Review current airfield information for any taxiway closures, runway closures, construction activity, or other surface risks.
  4. Ensure appropriate vehicle lights (high beams, flashers, beacons, and strobes) are operational prior to driving in the operational area.  Flashers and beacons help ATC, aircrew and other vehicle operators see vehicles in the operational area, especially during periods of reduced visibility and at night.
  5. Use service roads whenever possible to minimize time spent on taxiways and runways.
  6. During radio transmissions, use correct terminology and proper voice cadence.
  7. Copy your clearance and review the assigned route.  Read back all clearances.

Resources

The following are tools and resources that can prove beneficial for all drivers. They work best when used regularly in correspondence with current training. (See diagrams below).

Publication

Construction Resources for Vehicle Drivers

Improving Runway Safety through Airfield Configuration
Airfield configuration can be a contributing cause to runway incursions. This brochure identifies some airfield layouts that should be avoided when undertaking capital development at an airport. It also offers possible techniques that can be used to resolve runway safety problems at an airport.

Runway Safety Related Advisory Circulars

Briefing/ Safety Meetings

The following are tools and resources that can prove beneficial for all drivers. They work best when used regularly in correspondence with current training.

Runway Safety Related Advisory Circulars

Back to Runway Safety Page

Page Last Modified: 06/24/09 13:10 EDT

This page can be viewed online at: http://www.faa.gov/airports/runway_safety/vehicle/