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October 9, 2010 -
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) Administrator Randy Babbitt announced on Friday
that the number of serious runway incursions at the nation's airports
dropped 50 percent from 2009, the second consecutive year that the
number of serious incursions was cut in half.
"We continue to
make terrific progress in the area of runway safety and the credit
should go to the entire aviation community," LaHood said. "I'm thrilled
that we've further reduced serious incursions, and I look forward to
additional improvements in the years ahead."
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The number of
serious runway incursions at the nation's airports dropped from 12 in
fiscal year 2009 to six in fiscal year 2010, which ended on September
30. This announcement reflects a steady, significant improvement in
runway safety over the last decade. In fiscal year 2000 there were 67
serious runway incursions. Of the six incursions this fiscal year, three
involved commercial aircraft.
Several years ago
the FAA launched an intensive effort to improve runway safety. That
effort included the expedited installation of new technology at
airports, expanded requirements for improved signage and markings at
airports, and improved pilot training on runway conflict scenarios.
Since then, the FAA and pilot groups also have conducted extensive
outreach and training for general aviation pilots.
During the press
conference, Babbitt announced that the Runway Status Lights system at
The new
technology, which is also being used at Dallas/Ft. Worth, |