Module 2 - ATM - Obstructions and RWY Incursions

Question 1

How are obstructions in the protection zone defined?

Answer 1

• Obstructions during construction work which are normally planned well ahead and possible restrictions can be foreseen.
• Suddenly occurring temporary obstructions e.g. disable ACFT and may require immediate action.

Question 2

How can the required obstacle clearance altitude be achieved?

Answer 2

Implementation of a displaced threshold (shortening the RWY). The Zone 1, 2 and 3 obstruction zones will be recalculated.

NB: The airport operator is responsible for marking and lighting the displaced threshold.

Question 3

What information needs to be passed to pilots regarding obstructions in the protection zone?

Answer 3

• Type and position of the obstruction.
• Details about the reduced runway length.
• Change in obstacle clearance altitude.

Question 4

What is a runway incursion?

Answer 4

An occurrence at an AD involving the incorrect presence of an ACFT, vehicle or person on the protected area of a surface designated for the landing and TKOF of ACFT.

Question 5

What are the most common types of runway incursion?

Answer 5

• Departing ACFT RWY entry contrary to ATC clearance.
• ACFT RWY crossing after landing contrary to ATC clearance.
• Issued ATC taxi clearance in conflict with another ATC clearance.
• ATC RWY occupancy clearance in error or misjudged.
• Towed ACFT RWY crossing contrary to ATC clearance.

Question 6

How could an ATCO induce a RWY incursion?

Answer 6

• Poor visibility may hinder controllers judgement.
• Not verifying the read back.
• Losing the traffic situation or misjudging/assuming the location of ACFT and vehicles.

Question 7

How could the flight crew induce a RWY incursion?

Answer 7

Disorientation specifically at an unfamiliar airport.

Question 8

How could a vehicle drive induce a RWY incursion?

Answer 8

• Lack of sensitisation.
• Lack of training.
• Loss of their position.

Question 9

What factors contribute to the increased likelihood of a RWY incursion?

Answer 9

• Poor visibility.
• AD design.
• Conditional clearances.
• Simultaneous use of intersecting RWYs.
• Late issue or late changes to departure procedures.
• Use of non-standard phraseology.
• Concurrent use of more than 1 language for ATC communications.
• English language competence.
• ATC and pilot workload.

Question 10

What measures can be used to reduce the likelihood of a RWY incursion?

Answer 10

• Use of standard phraseology.
• Maintenance of situational awareness by TWR and GND ATCOs in respect of ACFT and vehicle disposition and movements to active RWYs.
• Maintenance of situational awareness by flight crew and other using the manoeuvring area.
• Presence of ICAO standard RWY markings and TWY surface markings and signs.
• Identification of hot spots.
• Training for airside vehicle drivers.

Question 11

What is a hot spot?

Answer 11

A location on an AD movement area with a history or potential risk of collision or RWY incursion, and where heightened attention by pilots/drivers is necessary.

Question 12

What actions shall be taken by the aerodrome controller if they issue a TKOF/landing clearance and then become aware of a runway incursion or imminent occurence?

Answer 12

• Cancel TKOF clearance for a departing ACFT.
• Instruct a landing ACFT to execute a go around or MISAP.
• In all cases inform ACFT of the RWY incursion or obstruction and its location in relation to the RWY.

NB: Both pilots and air traffic controllers must report obstruction on the RWY or a RWY incursion.