Sept. 22, 2017 // NATCA Runway Safety Rep Speaks at NTSB Forum

Gee moderating the Runway Safety panel at Communicating For Safety 2017.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) hosted a special forum, entitled “Runway Incursion Safety Issues, Prevention, and Mitigation” on Sept. 19 and 20 in Washington, D.C.

The forum raised awareness of runway incursions — defined as the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or person on a runway — and other safety issues. It promoted and facilitated dialogue among government and industry officials to better define such issues and determine how to effectively address these issues to improve safety.

Graphic courtesy of the FAA.

NATCA Runway Safety Rep Bridget Gee participated on an air traffic control panel and a roundtable discussion. Both panels brought together aviation safety experts from across the industry, including representatives from airlines, pilots associations, the Federal Aviation Administration, and other government agencies.

The number of runway incursions has increased since 2011 despite the number of airport operations remaining relatively consistent. However, in a positive development, the number of most serious runway incursions (Category A and B) this fiscal year had tracked toward near historic low levels through August, with one month remaining before the end of the fiscal year.

During her panel discussion and during the forum, Gee explored mitigation and prevention strategies for runway incursions.