Runway incursions and prevention systems Available to Purchase

Some aircraft runway collisions are described first to illustrate some common features of a runway incursion (RI) incident. Then, using the FAA definition of runway incursion, some data relating to RI incidents are presented to show that both RIs and incursion rates are growing steadily in the USA. Data for UK airport operations also indicate that the incursion rates in Britain are of the same order. Hence there is a need for some form of RI prevention. Most of the technological prevention systems available, or being developed, are briefly described before the paper concludes with the suggestion that effective prevention may be more swiftly obtained by improving airside signage and training for airport workers who use runways and taxiways in their vehicles.