Dallas Love Field has introduced the Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) system to bolster safety for pilots and passengers.
“This new technology allows air traffic controllers to track aircraft on the ground via radar, monitoring their movements all the way to the runway,” explained Javier Centeno, Superintendent of Airside Operations.
Only 44 airports in the National Airspace System, including Dallas Fort Worth, utilize such advanced surface surveillance technologies, each system costing millions of dollars.
Dallas Love Field is now among the four airports nationwide equipped with the SAI system, designed to display surface traffic to controllers and prevent runway incursions and close calls.
Previously, controllers relied solely on visual observation and radio communication.
“This tool indicates aircraft positions relative to each other, mitigating recent runway incidents observed across the National Airspace System,” added Centeno.
Local pilot and aviation attorney Ron McCallum praised the technology: “It’s amazing. Pilots appreciate the enhanced safety measures.”
The initiative, funded through the FAA’s capital investment plan, is set to expand to numerous airports nationwide, with San Antonio next in line.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, Alex Boyer
