Runway Safety: Experts Weigh In On Reducing Incursions and Excursions

Recent alarming incidents of runway incursions and excursions have intensified the focus on runway safety. This FlightGlobal webinar, hosted in partnership with Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, brought together a panel of experts to discuss key data insights and the role of onboard and on-ground technology, as well as training, in reducing risks.

Moderated by Murdo Morrison, Head of Strategic Content at Flight Global, the webinar featured thought leaders from across the aviation sector: 

• Bob Buddecke, President of Electronic Solutions at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies
• Tzvetomir Blajev, Director of Europe and Global Operational Safety at Flight Safety Foundation
• Capt. Stuart Clarke, Flight Safety Advisor at BALPA
• Bernhard Koessler, Global Practice Leader-Airlines at Allianz Commercial 

In stressing the need for urgency, Buddecke said, “The number you have to pay attention to when you’re talking about incursions and excursions is the number of serious incidents. That number has tripled in the last six years. It’s an issue that requires serious attention and action.”

The panel discussed the many different issues currently impacting runway safety, including airport congestion, adverse weather conditions, and human factors such as language barriers, inadequate training, and misinterpreted runway markings. 

Buddecke highlighted the importance of bringing advanced technology into the cockpit. “The most important thing to focus on is providing pilots with greater situational awareness. That’s where Honeywell’s SURF-A offering comes in. By using GPS information and ADS-B data, it detects aircraft behavior that could pose a safety risk and alerts pilots in time to take corrective action.”

Added Buddecke, “Deploying technology in the cockpit like SURF-A is the lowest hanging fruit in our efforts to improve runway safety." 

Check out all the insights from our panelists by watching the full on-demand replay of the FlightGlobal webinar now.