Honeywell Demonstrates SURF-A Runway Incursion Avoidance Tech

Once certified by the FAA, the software that creates a "third set of eyes" in the cockpit can be installed in existing and new production aircraft, according to the manufacturer.

Monday, June 10, 2024 at 03:49 PM ET

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The Honeywell 757 was equipped with cameras in the cockpit and computer monitors in the observer seats to show the pilot's view. [Courtesy: Meg Godlewski]

Key Takeaways:

Honeywell is developing and testing "Surface Alert (SURF-A)," new software designed to prevent dangerous runway events such as incursions, excursions (overruns), and wrong-surface landings/takeoffs.
SURF-A integrates with existing flight systems, utilizing GPS data, ADS-B equipment, and advanced analytics to detect traffic hazards and provide timely aural and textual warnings to pilots.
The technology was demonstrated on a Boeing 757, simulating real-world runway incident scenarios with an "intruder" aircraft, effectively alerting the flight crew to potential dangers.
Honeywell expects SURF-A to receive FAA certification within 12 to 18 months, making it available for installation in both new and existing aircraft to enhance runway safety.

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When an aircraft is someplace it isn’t supposed to be, it often results in a potentially dangerous situation, putting the lives of the flight crew and passengers at risk. These run the gamut from incursions when an aircraft doesn’t have permission to be on the runway because another one is already there, excursions—or runway overruns—and wrong-surface events, such as an aircraft landing on the wrong runway or on a taxiway by mistake.

In April, Honeywell announced development of Surface Alert (SURF-A), a software technology that will help pilots avoid these types of events. Now the company is testing the product using its specially equipped Boeing 757.

Meg Godlewski

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.