Investigation of Runway Incursion

Abstract

Runway incursions (RWYI) are a daily phenomenon in the world and is a threat to safety. The severity of a RWYI can be high and it is a problem that is subject to improvements. The purpose of this report is to present the findings after an investigation of RWYI in general and what is being done to prevent it in Sweden. The main focus is to present the problem from an air traffic controller (ATCO) and pilot perspective. However, we are also presenting all the different stakeholders involved in the problem followed with associated risks and means to prevent a RWYI from happening. We also present technical aids and working methodology used today in air traffic control towers in Sweden and in addition some technology implemented abroad. Some suggested improvements that the stakeholders can take into consideration when developing their work to reduce the risk for a RWYI is also presented. The method used during the investigation has mainly been literature studies, interviews with different stakeholders and study visits to Bromma tower, Arlanda tower and SAAB/Linköping tower. We have found that the pilots and vehicle drivers are the most contributing stakeholders to a RWYI in Sweden. The investigation also shows that ATCOs and pilots share some opinions regarding risks but also improvements. Both ATCOs and pilots agree that weather with bad visibility, as well as darkness, is increasing the risk for an incident or accident to happen. Furthermore, complacency, fatigue and tiredness are also risks that are shared between ATCOs and pilots. We have also found that airports have different means to prevent a RWYI. At Arlanda, the ATC system is well developed with electronic equipment and stop bars at the taxiways, which is not the case for either Bromma or SAAB/Linköping airport. Even pilots in different airlines operate differently when about to enter a runway and there is no standard operating procedure (SOP) developed in all companies. Some of the suggested improvements are to implement stop-bars on every airport and that it should be mandatory to equip vehicles operating on the maneuvering area with maps.

Original document

The different versions of the original document can be found in:

• http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-104016