"N321, I have a phone number for you to call. Advise when ready to copy."

Instantly the panic sets in. The entire flight flashes before your eyes. Uh oh. Did you just taxi across runway 32 on your way to depart runway 5 without a clearance?

Runway incursions are a big problem in aviation, so much so that they are among the FAA’s special emphasis areas. Simply put, special emphasis areas are areas of operations that are critical to flight safety.

Runway Incursion, Defined

A runway incursion involves the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or person on an area designated for takeoff and landing of aircraft. Notice here that an aircraft is not always the cause of a runway incursion.

Many airports have fuel trucks, tugs, and other vehicles moving around the premises. For example, the driver of a fuel truck reaches down to the floor to grab something. They end up crossing the runway without permission. That driver has committed a runway incursion.

If you are out exploring or walking about the airport, and you walk on an active runway. You are now an incursion. Pilots and others who work in or around an airport must understand what an incursion is and how to avoid it. Not only can runway incursions vary in whether an aircraft, vehicle, or individual commits them, but their severity also varies.

Types of Runway Incursions

The FAA has classified runway incursions into four categories — A, B, C, and D — is descending levels of severity. Reaction time, corrective action, environment, speed of aircraft or vehicle, and proximity all determine the severity of an incursion. Two aircraft moving fast while departing a wet runway on opposite ends, head-on in IMC is a recipe for disaster. That incursion is potentially a Category A incursion, the most severe kind of incursion possible. An incident or collision is certain to occur.

In a Category D incursion, someone or something is improperly on a runway, but no immediate consequence may happen. Not all runway incursions are going to be a disaster that will be on the news or a documentary on TV. But regardless of the severity, there is always a potential hazard, though not necessarily an imminent one.

Avoiding Runway Incursions

The best way to prevent runway incursions is to do what you can as part of the aviation community to prevent the next major tragedy. If you work at an airport, make sure all employees or individuals who will be working around runways are properly trained. Training should include knowledge of airport signs and markings as well as handheld radio communication. Have employees talk with pilots and instructors to better understand what to look for in a traffic pattern or on the final approach ends of the runway. (For example, landing lights are a good visual for spotting airplanes.)

Teach employees to avoid distractions in critical areas such as at hold lines and to keep ears open for any traffic in the pattern. Most pilots love talking about airplanes and flying and would not hesitate to answer questions and help improve the safety of the runway environment.

Pilots can do a lot to reduce the risk of runway incursions. The most immediate thing you can do is look outside to be aware of and follow runway and taxiway signs, lights, and markings. Of course, you should also understand airport signs and surface markings so you can determine where your aircraft belongs and where it does not. Your flight instructor can help you recall what these signs and markings mean.

Airport diagrams, located in many newer planes, are a great tool for determining destination locations and potential hot spots, but make sure it is up to date. Airports often undergo construction, and a non-current airport diagram can lead to problems.

Use all your available resources, including your electronic flight bag (EFB), airport diagrams, and even ATC for progressive taxi instructions. When avoiding runway incursions, you truly cannot be over-informed.

When receiving taxi instructions from Air Traffic Control (ATC), write down the instructions so you have a reference if you forget any crossing or hold instructions. Before receiving a clearance, review airport diagrams and brief possible directions. Exercise caution when briefing expected taxiways and do not become complacent and follow your clearance instead of the one ATC gave you.

Listen to the clearances and location of other aircraft for the “big picture.” Doing so will improve your situational awareness. Limit your workload and accomplish any task that you can before taxi and stress the importance of a sterile cockpit with your passengers. The golden rule always is “If in doubt ask!” Do not act on what you think you were told; consult ATC for clarification. It is better to ask a question and look foolish than have an incursion and be foolish.

Pilots often overlook positive aircraft control when avoiding runway incursions. Make sure you fully understand your aircraft’s control inputs. Steering the aircraft is a good example. Some aircraft may be heavier on controls than others. One airplane might taxi fast it is very responsive. You might try to steer another airplane and end up in the grass or on a runway because that airplane has a more temperamental steering system. Familiarize yourself with aircraft braking capabilities as well. You do not want to taxi to the hold line only to realize you cannot stop and end up becoming an incursion.

No matter how severe or mild the runway incursion may be, the best runway incursion is one that does not happen. The key to runway incursion avoidance is situational awareness and resource management. Keep your eyes outside, and if in doubt ask. ATC can give you a progressive taxi at controlled fields, workload permitting. In the end, it is better to ask for help or clarification instead of getting a phone call from the FAA because of negligence.

Ryan Spohn got bit by the aviation bug when he did a discovery flight during his time in the Boy Scouts, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. After that flight, he determined aviation was the life he wanted to pursue. Learn more about Ryan and the rest of the Elon Aviation staff at www.elonaviation.com.