by Paul M. Foster, Jr.,

Preventing runway incursions is one of the FAA’s highest priorities. Though relatively small in number when compared to the high level of traffic that moves safely through the nation’s airports every day, runway incursions present a special challenge. Not only do they have the potential to put lives at risk due to the number and proximity of aircraft operating on the airport surface, but they also take place in a complex and dynamic environment.

Pilots are trained to carefully plan the en route portion of their flight, and the FAA’s Office of Runway Safety & Operational Services is stressing the importance of using the same type of…