FAA Runway Incursion Animations

In cooperation with the FAA’s Office of Runway Safety, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation is pleased to offer this growing online library of runway incursion animations. These educational presentations, prepared by the Office of Runway Safety, feature the actual ATC radio communications regarding the incidents, as well as an accompanying article to provide context. New animations will be added periodically.

Hearing what they expected to hear?

hearing In a busy runway environment, simple misperceptions can have potentially devastating consequences. On the night of Feb. 15, 2008, as ground delays mounted and tensions increased at Boston Logan International, the flight crew of a Cessna 560 received instructions to cross Runway 27. The only problem: They were holding short of Runway 33L. Rather than query ATC, the crew rolled into the path of a departing Airbus 320 hurtling down the active runway.

Runway safety as a function of time

time When workload demands are high, busy pilots and controllers must stay focused on the tasks at hand. But what happens when things slow down? Loss of attention during idle periods can have potentially tragic consequences. On a foggy December day in 2007, an airport ground vehicle was cleared onto a runway in Moline, Ill., to work on the lights. Nearly half an hour later, a Citation asked to depart. Focused on the request and the changing weather, the controller forgot about the truck.

Anatomy of a runway incursion

anatomy A runway incursion that occurred at Daytona Beach International Airport in 2007, involved a Cessna 182 that taxied onto a runway where a Beech King Air 200 was on its takeoff roll. Runway incursions—where an aircraft, other vehicle, or person enters or crosses a runway without permission—continue to be a concern to all segments of aviation.