FAA Reports 1,100 Runway Near Misses in 2024, Showing Improvement from 2023

Recent FAA data has revealed that there were 1,100 runway near misses in 2024, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance by pilots, air traffic controllers, and regulatory oversight.

Each near miss, termed a “runway incursion,” is meticulously recorded in a database maintained by the Federal Aviation Administration. The data for the 12 months ending May 31, 2024, shows a total of 1,115 runway incursions. These ranged from serious close calls to “Category D” incidents, where a person or vehicle was present on an aircraft-designated surface without posing a significant safety risk.

Breakdown of Incidents

• Operational Incidents: 183 cases involved air traffic controller actions leading to planes coming closer than permitted to other aircraft or obstacles.
• Pilot Deviations: 706 cases where pilots violated FAA regulations during takeoff or landing, proceeding without the necessary clearance.
• Unauthorized Access: 199 deviations involved avoiding pedestrians or vehicles on runways without air traffic control authorization.
• Unclassified Incidents: 27 incidents were not classified under specific categories.

Improvement from Previous Year

On a positive note, these figures are an improvement from 2023. The FAA recorded 1,760 total runway incursions in the fiscal year 2023, with an estimated 54.4 million takeoffs and landings in U.S. airspace. The 2024 total of 1,115 incursions is the lowest since 2011 when 954 incursions were recorded.
Emphasizing the Importance of Vigilance

These narrowly avoided plane crashes serve as a stark reminder of the crucial need for constant vigilance by pilots and air traffic controllers. They also underscore the importance of effective oversight by regulatory agencies to maintain and improve aviation safety standards.

By continuing to monitor and address these incidents, the aviation industry can strive to reduce the number of runway incursions and ensure safer skies for all.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, newsweek.com