FAA to Install Runway Safety Technology at 74 Airports by 2026
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Wednesday March 19 that it will install enhanced safety technology at 74 airports by the end of 2026 to help detect and prevent runway incursions.
The Runway Incursion Device, a memory aid for air traffic controllers, will be implemented at these airports. This technology alerts controllers when a runway is occupied, aiming to reduce the risk of accidents. The system is already operational at four airports and will be installed at an additional 70 airports within the next 19 months.
Addressing Safety Concerns and Air Traffic Control Overhaul
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also announced that he plans to reveal a proposal in the coming days to overhaul the U.S. air traffic control system and replace outdated technologies. The push for modernization follows growing concerns over aviation safety, particularly after the tragic collision on January 29 near Reagan Washington National Airport, which killed 67 people. The collision involved an Army helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet.
Duffy noted that he will request tens of billions of dollars from Congress to reform air traffic control systems, emphasizing the need to address the aging infrastructure. According to the Government Accountability Office, one-third of the FAA’s air traffic control systems are unsustainable, requiring urgent action.
Runway Safety Efforts and Near-Miss Incidents
The FAA’s recent efforts include an audit initiated in October, aimed at assessing runway incursion risks at the 45 busiest U.S. airports. The announcement comes after a series of near-miss incidents that have raised concerns about aviation safety and the strain on understaffed air traffic control operations.
A major incident occurred in 2023 at Austin Airport, where a Southwest Airlines flight and a FedEx aircraft nearly collided due to a controller’s mistaken assumption. This highlights the importance of the new Runway Incursion Device.
Staffing Shortages and Technology Gaps
The FAA is facing a persistent shortage of air traffic controllers, with 3,500 positions unfilled. This staffing gap has led to delayed flights and has forced controllers to work mandatory overtime and six-day weeks to cover shifts. The FAA’s outdated technology and facilities further exacerbate the challenges, creating additional pressure on air traffic control operations.
Additional Safety Systems to Be Installed
In addition to the Runway Incursion Device, the FAA is also rolling out the Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) system and the Approach Runway Verification system. The SAI uses Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data to display surface traffic to controllers at airports that lack surface surveillance tools. It is already operational at 18 airports, and the FAA plans to expand it to 32 more airports by the end of 2025.
These efforts underscore the FAA’s commitment to improving aviation safety through technology upgrades and addressing the staffing shortages impacting the U.S. air traffic control system.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnbc.com