FAA to invest millions in airports after near-fatal incidents.
The FAA Takes Action to Improve Airport Safety
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently announced a significant investment in airports across the country following a series of near-fatal collisions. These close-call incidents have been confirmed by both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed concern earlier this year, stating that the nation’s airports were on track to experience over 20 close calls in the year.
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During an FAA safety summit earlier this year, Secretary Buttigieg highlighted that there seemed to be an increase in mistakes occurring throughout the aviation system, including runways, gates, control towers, and flight decks.
In response to these concerns, the FAA introduced a Safety Call to Action plan in February. This plan aimed to address the identified risks at airports across the nation. The subsequent FAA Safety Summit in March brought together leaders from various sectors within the aviation industry to identify potential safety risks and develop solutions.
In an August 23 press release, the FAA announced an additional investment of $121 million to mitigate runway incursions and support airport infrastructure projects. These projects include reconfiguring taxiways, installing new lighting systems, and providing more flexibility on the airfield.
Shannetta Griffin, Associate Administrator for Airports, emphasized the FAA’s commitment to ending runway incursions, stating, “The FAA is serious about ending runway incursions and we are putting substantial resources behind our efforts. In some cases, the best way to address safety risks is modifying or reconfiguring existing airfields—these grants directly address those situations.”
A runway incursion is defined as any occurrence involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or person on a designated landing and takeoff area at an aerodrome.
According to FAA data, there have been 1,495 runway incursions since October 2022.
To enhance safety, the FAA will be implementing several runway safety technologies. These technologies aim to provide pilots and air traffic controllers with improved situational awareness. They include runway status lights embedded in pavements to alert pilots of unsafe landing conditions, a new airport surveillance system called the Airport Surface Detection Equipment system, and the Taxiway Arrival Prediction system.
Eight Airports to Receive Long-Awaited Safety Upgrades
As part of the FAA’s investment, eight airports have been selected to receive safety upgrades. These airports include Boston Logan International, Ted Stevens Anchorage International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, Willow Run Airport, Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport, Richmond International, Jackson Hole Airport, and Naples Municipal Airport.
Boston Logan International Airport has been awarded the highest grant amount of $44.9 million. The funds will be used to simplify the airfield layout and rebuild and repair taxiways to maintain pavement integrity and minimize debris.
Other airports, such as Ted Stevens Anchorage International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, and Richmond International, have also received grants to prevent further incidents.
US Air Traffic Controllers Face Staffing Challenges
While the FAA is taking steps to improve airport safety, the issue of understaffed and overworked air traffic controllers remains a concern. Over the past decade, the number of fully trained controllers has decreased by 10%, while airport traffic has increased by 5%.
A June report from the Department of Transportation’s inspector general highlighted the FAA’s lack of a plan to address staffing shortages. Many controllers have been required to work six days a week due to a shortage of trained personnel.
Efforts are being made to address these challenges and ensure the safety of the aviation system.
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