Safety Spotlight
Runway Safety
General aviation pilots of all experience and certificate levels account for the majority of runway incursions each year—usually caused by miscommunication, failure to comply with signs and markings, or simply getting lost. As a result, not being in the right place at the right time can spell disaster for pilots and passengers. Be sure to review runway signs, markings, and taxi diagrams prior to your next flight.
Resources
Runway Safety Online Course
Some of aviation's worst accidents have happened on the ground. Find out why—and learn how to avoid runway incursions—by taking this course (approx. 45-60 minutes). Take course >>
Say It Right: Mastering Radio Communication
Radio communication is one of a pilot’s core skills—and a cornerstone of safe flying. This course covers both VFR and IFR radio operations and will help you communicate properly, efficiently, and effectively from the cockpit (approx. 45-60 minutes).
Take the course >>Quick Reference (Adobe PDF file)
*This course qualifies for AOPA Accident Forgiveness and the FAA Wings program.
Operations at Nontowered Airports
It’s a shorthand way to refer to airports not served by operating air traffic control towers, and that includes most of the airports in the United States. At present, nearly 20,000 airports are nontowered, compared to approximately 500 that have FAA towers. Millions of safe operations in all types of aircraft are conducted at nontowered airports in a variety of weather conditions. It works because pilots put safety first and use commonly known procedures. (PDF file—792KB) Download it now >>
Operations at Towered Airports
Runway incursions are occurring more frequently each year. This new Safety Advisor gives pilots the information they must know to operate more safely at busy towered airports. [FAA’s Runway Safety Program — Visit the the FAA Runway Safety Program Web site for more information.] (PDF file—1,072KB) Download it now >>
Conflict at the Crossroads Webinar
Join AOPA Foundation President Bruce Landsberg and a panel of runway safety experts as they discuss the hazard of runway incursions and how to avoid them. Improve your piloting skills as you learn to recognize and avoid Conflicts at the Crossroads. View the recorded presentation >>
Runway Safety Flash Cards
The Runway Safety Flash Cards help pilots better understand runway signage and markings. The front of each card displays an airport sign or pavement marking, while the back provides a description and information on the required pilot action. Download it now >>
Rundown Feeling Pilot Safety Announcement (PSA)
Being distracted while taxiing can have devastating consequences. Check it out >>
Phone Home Pilot Safety Announcement (PSA)
As a student pilot, do I have to accept the assigned runway? Check it out >>
Ask ATC: Assigned Runway
As a student pilot, do I have to accept the assigned runway? Check it out >>
Ask ATC: Progressive Taxi
What's the most common mistake pilots make while taxiing? Check it out >>
Safety Quiz: Airport Signs and Markings
Being able to interpret signs and markings at a glance is one of the best ways to steer clear of a runway incursion. Take the quiz >>
Safety Quiz: Runway Safety
Pilots can help improve airport safety by maintaining vigilance and situational awareness while operating in the airport environment. Take the quiz >>
Safety Quiz: Towered Airport Operations
There’s nothing difficult about operating at towered airports, but it is important to have a solid grasp of the procedures. Take the quiz >>
