Runway safety continues to be one of the FAA’s highest priorities. Achieving that goal involves everyone who has an airport presence or role — not just pilots, but also air traffic controllers and airport vehicle drivers. To support runway safety, the FAA’s Runway Safety Group has developed a wide range of guidance, resources, and expertise that you can access (at no cost, of course) on the FAA’s website. You’ll find the URL in the “Learn More” section below, but here’s a pre­view of what you’ll find. 

Airport Diagrams

There are many sources for airport diagrams, but the FAA’s website offers one as well. From the Runway Safety landing page (ahem), you can search the FAA database for PDF versions of airport diagrams that you can down­load and print. 

The purpose of airport diagrams is to assist in the movement of ground traffic at locations with complex runway/taxiway configurations. If you are flying to such an airport, or to any airport you’ve never visited before, it’s a really good idea to get a copy of the airport diagram and study it long before you get into the airplane. Whether you use a paper diagram or an electronic display on your tab­let, you can use a highlighter (most electronic flight bag apps have them in multiple colors) to mark items of special note or interest. 

Hot Spots

The FAA defines a “hot spot” as a location on an airport movement area that has a history of potential risk of collision or runway incursion. The goal is to raise awareness among pilots and drivers operating at that airport. More importantly, identifying hot spots makes it easier for airport users to plan the safest possible path in and around that airport. By noting hot spots and then planning aircraft surface movements to avoid them or exercise caution in them, pilots add another layer of safety to flight operations. 

FAA Taxi Test

You can use a day when circumstances let you only think about flying to watch this 60-minute video which offers a comprehensive look at runway safety best practices. You will find a review of signs and markings, scenario-based DOs and DON’Ts, and clear explanations of why certain procedures are critical. Invest­ing just the one hour it takes to watch the video will markedly improve your surface safety knowledge and capabilities. So check it out, and test your skills. 

But Wait – There’s More!

Clicking on the “Runway Safety Resources” link will take you to a page of links to handy resources of all kinds. There are specific resources for pilots, controllers, and vehicle drivers, along with more airport references. Of note is the link to Animations and Videos (under Trending Now) and the airport construction notices towards the bottom of the page. You will also find links to external (non-FAA) materials, such as WINGS-eligible runway safety training developed by the AOPA Air Safety Institute, ICAO Runway Safety resources, and links to the “Skybrary.” I’ll let you discover what’s included in that catchily-named site on your own. 

Please take a few minutes to check out some of these resources, book­mark the Runway Safety page, and consider subscribing for updates. You’ll be glad you did, and so will your fellow airport users! (FAA Safety Briefing – MarApr 2021)