The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that it will be conducting a new series of runway safety meetings at 16 additional airports in the coming weeks. This decision comes in the wake of several concerning near-miss aviation incidents.
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Earlier this year, the FAA had already scheduled approximately 90 Runway Safety Action Team meetings across the country. These meetings are held annually at each airport with a control tower and serve as the primary forum for identifying and addressing airport-specific risks in the surface environment.
The product of these meetings is a Runway Safety Action Plan, where stakeholders agree to pursue specific actions to improve surface safety. During a Runway Safety Action Team meeting, airport stakeholders identify unique risks to surface safety at that airport and develop plans to mitigate or eliminate those risks. Representatives from the FAA’s air traffic organization, airlines, pilots, airport vehicle drivers, and others participate.
The new round of meetings, which will take place by December 31, includes major airports such as Boston Logan International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport. The aim is to address unique risks at individual airports and develop plans. The FAA's decision to hold additional meetings was influenced by a series of troubling close-call aviation incidents. In response to these incidents, the FAA issued a Safety Call to Action earlier this year. Following a Safety Summit in March, the agency has undertaken a series of safety initiatives. The FAA and the aviation community are committed to pursuing a goal of zero serious close calls. This approach has virtually eliminated the risk of fatalities aboard U.S. commercial airlines. The ongoing efforts by the FAA to address runway safety risks highlight the importance of continuous improvement in aviation safety. As the aviation industry continues to grow and evolve, maintaining a strong focus on safety remains a top priority.
