Based on a review of runway incursion data and wrong runway departure data from 20 first-tier airports, the agency has modified the format for future RSAT (runway safety action team) meetings and included an evaluation of wrong runway risk factors identified by the industry's Commercial Aviation Safety Team.  It is currently evaluating the next tier of airports to be included in the "Call to Action" surface analysis effort.

Airport Recurrent Training and Air Carrier Pilot Training

Progress has been made in training of airport employees and pilots as well.

All of the 569 certificated airports in the U.S. require initial and recurrent training for airport employees such as airport police and airport maintenance workers, and 385 airports that now require recurrent training for non-airport employees such as fixed-based operators or airline mechanics.  Ninety-seven additional airports plan to adopt this requirement.

The Office of Airport Safety and Standards issued a draft change to AC 150/5210-20, Ground Vehicle Operations on Airports, in late December 2007, which strongly recommends regular recurrent driver training for all persons with access to the movement area and ramp apron areas.

Air Carrier Pilot Training and Cockpit Procedures

All 112 active air carriers now provide pilots with simulator or other training that incorporates realistic scenarios from pushback through taxi, and all of these also have identified and developed a plan to address elements that contribute to pilot distraction during taxi.

Air Traffic Taxi Clearances

After undertaking an analysis of taxi clearances, the FAA concluded that more explicit taxi instructions are needed.  Preliminary results have been forwarded to stakeholders for a 30-day review.  The agency has commenced an analysis of multiple landing clearances as well.

FAA Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Voluntary Reporting

A partnership agreement between the FAA and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) was recently signed that should help the FAA and NATCA will work together to develop and implement the voluntary reporting system.

Next Steps

On January 15^th, Acting FAA Administrator Robert Sturgell, in a teleconference with the chief executive officers of U.S. commercial carriers, cited concern over recent high-visibility runway safety events, and reinforced the need for improved pilot training and cockpit procedures.  Mr. Sturgell called for meetings with all carriers and top FAA safety officials to take place by January 25 to examine ways to enhance runway situational awareness.  The meetings will include each airline's director of operations, director of safety, and chief pilot.  01-22-2008.