How Pilots Can Help Prevent Wrong Surface Events

The FAA has updated hot spot and runway incursion advisories, but pilot commitment to preparation is still the best way to prevent trouble.

Michael Wildes

Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 08:50 AM ET

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Before you reach this point, a good amount of preparation should be done. [File Photo: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA is implementing new Arrival Alert Notices (AANs) for specific airports and standardizing "hot spot" symbology on airport diagrams to improve runway safety and reduce incursions.
Despite these agency-level advancements, pilots, especially those in general aviation who contribute significantly to wrong surface events, remain primarily responsible for preventing errors.
Pilots are urged to proactively familiarize themselves with airport layouts and conduct thorough pre-movement briefings, including writing down clearances, to mitigate risks.
Continuous review of airport signage and markings, along with not hesitating to request progressive taxi instructions or clarifications from Air Traffic Control, are crucial for maintaining pilot proficiency and safety.

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Recently, the FAA announced plans to roll out a program designed to help pilots mitigate taxiway and runway incursions through new arrival alert notices (AANs). The agency has also implemented a new airport “hot spot” symbology.

The arrival alert notices (AAN) are graphics that depict the approach to a particular airport with a history and description of its relative risk. So far, 11 airports have arrival alert notices implemented.