An average of three runway incursions occur each day at towered airports across the United States, and a large percentage of these are caused by general aviation pilots. It’s no wonder that the FAA places a high priority on runway incursion avoidance. Many factors can lead to a runway incursion, but, statistically speaking, failure to comply with air traffic control instructions combined with airport unfamiliarity top the list. Runway incursions represent an unacceptable aviation safety risk that must be mitigated.
Runway incursion avoidance is not listed as a specific task in the practical test standards; however, it is one of several “Special Emphasis Areas” critical to flight safety that must be evaluated during all checkrides. One of the best ways to demonstrate this skill to your designated pilot examiner during your checkride is by following safe standard runway incursion avoidance procedures throughout your flight, beginning with writing down all ATC clearances and taxi instructions. Combine this with having an airport diagram handy for easy reference before and during taxi—even if you’re at a familiar airport. Failing to write down taxi instructions or keep an airport diagram handy is a warning flag to any examiner.
Familiarize yourself with the anticipated taxi route as determined by the planned departure runway. Does this route take you through any “hot spots” or cross any runways? At towered airports, upon receipt of your taxi clearance, a precise readback of all runway hold-short and/or crossing instructions is critical. If you have any doubt or confusion about the clearance or the taxi route, stop, remain clear of the runway, and contact ATC. Ask ATC to confirm the instructions. Never hesitate to ask ATC for assistance or progressive taxi instructions, preferably before you get into trouble. Do not attempt to complete any checklist items or permit nonessential conversation while taxiing. Some examiners love to begin chatting or asking inappropriate, non-safety-related questions while you taxi. Politely ask the examiner to hold that thought.
Another way to improve safety on the airport is through proper operation of aircraft lighting. Your aircraft’s rotating beacon or tail/fin strobe should be on whenever the engine is running. Anytime you are crossing a runway, all exterior lights should be turned on. If you are holding for takeoff on the runway, turn your landing lights on once takeoff clearance has been received. Wing strobes should also be turned on while on any runway and while airborne, day or night. Turn wing strobes off after clearing all runways during taxi operations to avoid blinding other pilots and ground vehicle drivers.
When returning to land, after determining the active runway, review your airport diagram to plan your runway exit and taxi route to parking. Never exit your landing runway directly onto another intersecting runway without ATC instructions to do so. Do not accept last-minute or unclear ATC instructions that you are not sure you can safely obey. Just say “Unable.” Once you have cleared the runway, do not stop until your aircraft is clear of the runway hold-short markings. After that, any further taxi requires additional ATC clearance.
When operating at nontowered airports, effective communications and see-and-avoid procedures are very important. Advise other pilots in the area of your location and intentions using clear and accurate standard radio phraseology. Although “line up and wait” is used at towered airports, its use is not recommended at nontowered facilities. Since understanding standardized runway and airport signage plays a huge safety role, many examiners incorporate some form of airport signage identification into their testing practices. But the actions you take in the airplane will speak volumes about how well-prepared you are to avoid an ugly runway incursion.
Plus: Don’t let your guard down on the ground—take the Air Safety Institute’s Runway Safety online course.
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