PDs were responsible for 63 percent of runway incursions in fiscal year (FY) 2012. GA pilots were responsible for more than 80 percent of the PDs. In addition, OIs accounted for 20 percent of runway incursions and V/PDs accounted for 17 percent that year.2 For these reasons, the FAA is encouraging GA pilots and flight instructors to become familiar with industry best practices and mitigation procedures to avoid runway incursions.

Detailed investigations of runway incursions since 2008 have identified three major areas (pilot errors) contributing to these events:3

Pilot proficiency, preflight planning, taxi procedures, runway confusion, SA, and the use of aircraft lights are all challenges that, if not properly managed, lead to deviations. Adverse weather, technology limitation, and complex airport designs are additional challenges that contribute to PDs such as runway incursions.

As previously noted, runway incursions are generally the result of pilot error. To reduce this risk, pilots should adopt effective mitigation strategies to avoid runway incursions. Flight instructors should offer training that includes runway incursion avoidance strategies. Training and procedures developed in compliance with FAA policies and industry best practices reduce pilot errors and runway incursions. To meet this goal, pilots can take (and flight instructors should teach) the following steps:

Receiving continuing education and training is an essential step that a pilot can take to ensure that they are proficient. Each pilot is unique and no pilot is proficient in all situations. Therefore, GA pilots should self-assess their aeronautical ability prior to conducting a flight as pilot in command (PIC). Poor training in any skill set increases the potential for an undesirable outcome. Poor radio communication skills, for example, have caused runway incursions. To reduce this risk, pilots should meet English language skill standards, understand and use correct pilot/controller terminology, and use proper voice cadence when communicating by radio. Lack of familiarity with airport markings can also lead to runway incursions. Some GA pilots tend to ignore signage when the pilot is familiar with an airport. Pilots who operate in the same environment most of the time may find themselves at a new airport and lack familiarity with signage. This places the pilot in a vulnerable position. GA pilots who do not have much experience or recency with ATC or controlled airport operations should work with a flight instructor to develop proficiency. These examples illustrate the need for continuing education and training. Familiarization with airport markings, airport operations, and ATC/pilot terminology are also important areas that a flight instructor should consider when conducting an IPC or flight review. Recurrent training, including a flight to a towered airport with an experienced flight instructor, is a good way to gain proficiency with airport operations and to develop the required skills to avoid runway incursions.

Planning is an essential step that GA pilots can take to avoid pilot errors and runway incursions. Pilots should plan each flight before it takes place, even when flying to a familiar airport. Preflight planning enables the pilot to gain SA and make an informed go/no-go decision. Flight planning should not merely include planning the route of flight; it should also include a review of pertinent airport diagrams. Taking time during the preflight planning process to review airport diagrams is essential. For example, airport diagrams often include “hot spots.” The FAA defines a hot spot as a location on an airport movement area with a history of potential risk of collision or runway incursion. Many airports with a high incidence of runway incursions have identified hot spots where incursions most frequently occur. Pilots can avoid the common errors related to runway incursions by being aware of each hot spot as it relates to the taxiways and runways. Airport hot spots are only one of many considerations in preflight planning. Circumstances change quickly. En route weather conditions or airport movement area closures is vital information. To be prepared, pilots need to review all information concerning the flight, including Notices to Air Missions (NOTAM). Pilots should always obtain a standard briefing and review pertinent NOTAMs prior to each flight. Conducting preflight planning prior to every flight places a pilot in a better position to avoid incidents, accidents, and runway incursions.

GA pilots should develop and adhere to set cockpit procedures based on regulatory requirements and industry best practices. Taking the step to develop and routinely use set procedures complements mandatory actions and reduces the risks of human errors and runway incursions. Pilots should also include the following items in their set cockpit procedures: