Runway Incursion Avoidance Flashcards
Preflight planning for taxi operations should be an integral part of the pilots flight planning process. What info should this include?
a) review and understand airport signage, marking, and lighting
b) review the airport diagram, planned taxi route, and identify any “hot spots”
c) review latest airfield NOTMAS and ATIS (if available) for taxi/runway closures, construction activity, etc.
d) conduct a pre-taxi/pre-landing briefing that includes the expected/assigned taxi route and any hold short lines and restrictions based on ATIS information or previous experience at the airport.
e) plan for critical times and locations on the taxi route (complex intersections, crossing runways, etc)
f) plan to complete as many aircraft checklist items as possible prior to taxi
Be sure to write down taxi instructions at larger airports to avoid confusion and pilot vulnerability.
What is an airport “hot spot”?
A “hot spot” is a runway safety-related problem area or intersection at an airport. Typically, hot spots are complex or confusing taxiway-taxiway or taxiway-runway intersections. A lack of visibility may exist at certain points and/or the tower may be unable to see those particular intersections. Pilots need to be increasingly vigilant when approaching and taxiing through these intersections.
Why is the use of “sterile cockpit” procedures important when conducting taxi operations?
Pilots must be able to focus on their duties w/o being distracted by non-flight related matters unrelated to the safe and proper operation of the aircraft. Refraining from nonessential activities during ground operations is essential. Passengers should be briefed on the importance of minimizing conversations and questions during taxi, take off, and landing.
What are some recommended practices that can assist a pilot in maintaining situational awareness during taxi operations?
a) a current airport diagram should be immediately available for reference
b) monitor ATC instructions/clearances issued to other aircraft for the “big picture”
c) focus attention outside of the aircraft during taxi
d) use all available resources (airport diagrams, signs, markings, lighting, and ATC) to the aircraft on its assigned taxi route.
e) cross reference heading indicators
f) verbalize “clear left, clear right” when crossing intersections and runways
e) understand and follow ATC instructions and if confused ASK!
How can a pilot use aircraft exterior lighting to enhance situational awareness and safety during airport surface operations?
To the extent possible and consistent with aircraft equipment, operating limitations and pilot procedures, pilots should illuminate exterior lights as follows:
a) engines running - turn on the rotating beacon whenever an engine is running
b) taxiing - prior to commencing taxi, turn on navigation/position lights and anti-collision lights
c) crossing a runway - all exterior lights should be illuminated when crossing a runway
d) entering the departure runway for takeoff - exterior lights should be on to make your aircraft more conspicuous to aircraft on final and for ATC
e) cleared for takeoff - all exterior lights should be on
