An incursion is when anything on the ground creates a collision
hazard with an active runway area. Human error is the primary
cause. These are errors by pilots, airport personnel, ATC, animals,
and pedestrians. Part of the cause is inherent in airport design
and may be local or airport-specific. Some problem areas are not
visible to ATC.
Instruction should include the importance of clearing prior
to taking any runway. 360s at uncontrolled airports are preferred.
Students should be familiar with airport markings as presented
in the AIM. A student should never take a 'cleared for immediate'
ATC offer nor do I believe ATC should make such an offer to a
student pilot. Poor visibility greatly increases the likelihood
of a runway incursion.
19% increase in 1996 records. 71% by GA pilots. A skeptical
pilot who clears a runway before entrance is separating a memorable
event from one that portends tragedy. Preventative measures are
common sense and apply to all airports and all runways. Failure
of a pilot to clear a runway without an adequate scan of the approach
flight path to both sides of the airport is a form of Russian
roulette. Impatience or stress is usually the driving force behind
a runway incursion. Ignorance runs second. No part of an aircraft
should intrude on the wrong side of the hold bars. Hold bars are
made up of four yellow lines two dashed - - - - lines and two
_____solid lines. You hold when the solid lines are on your side,
you cross when the dashed lines are on your side.
1. Check notams and airport diagrams.
2. Proper phraseology
3. Check and monitor radios
4. Use lights
5. Get ATIS/AWOS and monitor CTAF
6. Avoid using land and hold short clearances.
7. Clear and report clear of runway when across the hold bars.
8. If at all uncertain of location or taxi route, get help.
Runway incursions are a real problem often made worse by poor
visibility and confused pilots. IFR departures from uncontrolled
airports may not be monitoring the CTAF. Incursions seem to be
related to being on the wrong runway, using another aircraft's
clearance, misinterpretation of airport signs or lines, and communication
failures.
Last Modified February 28, ©2026 TAGE.COM
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