FAA Highlights Runway Collision Risks

According to the SAFO, the following paragraph will be added to the ATC Order: Crossing of active runway(s) by aircraft/vehicle(s): 1. During departure operations, ensure that aircraft/vehicles intending to cross a runway do not cross the runway holding position markings until the controller visually observes the departure aircraft in a turn, or the departure aircraft has passed the point where the crossing aircraft/vehicle is located, regardless of altitude, unless authorized in FAA Order JO 7110.65, 3-10-10, Altitude Restricted Low Approach.

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The FAA issued a Safety Alert (SAFO 17012) warning pilots of high collision risks during runway crossings, particularly in the first two-thirds of the runway, and introduced new ATC guidance and specific pilot recommendations to prevent incursions.
An NTSB investigation into a helicopter-drone collision concluded the drone pilot was at fault for flying beyond visual line of sight, lacking regulatory knowledge, and being unaware of temporary flight restrictions (TFRs).
The FAA alerted the industry to concerns about failures of v-band couplings in turbocharged aircraft exhaust systems, which can lead to in-flight fires and aircraft loss, noting these failures often occur shortly after annual inspections.
The FAA also issued an SAIB regarding jet fuel contaminated with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) at Eppley Air Field, advising affected aircraft operators to contact engine manufacturers for remedial actions.

See a mistake? Contact us.

In a new Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO 17012,High Collision Risk During Runway Crossing), the FAA in November warned pilots of the risks associated with runway incursions and that their risk is highest in the first two-thirds of the runway. Additionally, the SAFO highlighted new guidance to be added to FAA Order JO 7110.65,Air Traffic Control, the primary reference for air traffic controllers. The FAA’s SAFO also made numerous recommendations to pilots, controllers and vehicle operators. The sidebar below describes the two type of runway incursions with which the FAA is primarily concerned and the results of a three-year study of data gleaned from the Airport Surveillance Detection Equipment Model X (ASDE-X) in operation at numerous large airports in the U.S.

According to the SAFO, the following paragraph will be added to the ATC Order: “Crossing of active runway(s) by aircraft/vehicle(s): 1. During departure operations, ensure that aircraft/vehicles intending to cross a runway do not cross the runway holding position markings until the controller visually observes the departure aircraft in a turn, or the departure aircraft has passed the point where the crossing aircraft/vehicle is located, regardless of altitude, unless authorized in FAA Order JO 7110.65, 3-10-10, Altitude Restricted Low Approach.”