Private Pilot Flight Training and Instruction Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM Runway Incursions 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. Written by Gene Whitt Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM