FAA Claims Major gains in Runway Safety

"Serious" Incursions Reported Down 50 Percent Compared To 2009

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt say that the number of serious runway incursions at the nation's airports dropped 50 percent from 2009, the second consecutive year that the number of serious incursions was cut in half.

"We continue to make terrific progress in the area of runway safety and the credit should go to the entire aviation community," LaHood said in a news conference Friday. "I'm thrilled that we've further reduced serious incursions, and I look forward to additional improvements in the years ahead."

"The goal we are working towards is zero runway incursions," Babbitt said during a press conference at Boston's Logan Airport where he highlighted runway safety technology. "I'm confident that the right combination of education and technology will help us get there."

The number of serious runway incursions at the nation's airports dropped from 12 in fiscal year 2009 to six in fiscal year 2010, which ended on September 30. Today's announcement reflects a steady, significant improvement in runway safety over the last decade. In fiscal year 2000 there were 67 serious runway incursions. Of the six incursions this fiscal year, three involved commercial aircraft. Several years ago the FAA launched an intensive effort to improve runway safety. That effort included the expedited installation of new technology at airports, expanded requirements for improved signage and markings at airports, and improved pilot training on runway conflict scenarios. Since then, the FAA and pilot groups also have conducted extensive outreach and training for general aviation pilots.

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