European Action Plan for the Prevention of Runway Incursions

NHTSA · 2017 · ROSA P / Eurocontrol

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Summary

This document presents the third version of the European Action Plan for the Prevention of Runway Incursions (EAPPRI), released by EUROCONTROL in 2017. The plan addresses the persistent safety threat of runway incursions, defined as the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or person on a runway’s protected area. Despite previous efforts, data indicates that at least two runway incursions occur daily in the European region, with accidents continuing to happen. The primary motivation for this update is to re-energize prevention activities, address emerging challenges such as the proliferation of aeronautical information and new technologies, and ensure the uniform application of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and European Union (EU) provisions. The document acknowledges that while the establishment of aerodrome local Runway Safety Teams (RST) and Safety Management Systems (SMS) has improved safety, significant issues remain, particularly regarding communication breakdowns, ground navigation errors, and inconsistent interpretation of incursion definitions. The EAPPRI is structured as a comprehensive set of recommendations and guidance materials rather than a traditional empirical study. It was developed through the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including aerodrome operators, air navigation service providers (ANSPs), aircraft operators, regulators, and industry associations. The plan outlines specific actions for these groups across ten key areas: general principles, aerodrome operator issues, communications, aircraft operator issues, ANSP issues, data collection, regulatory issues, aeronautical information management, technology, and civil-military coordination. Key methodological shifts in this version include elevating the use of stop bars to recommendation status, promoting the use of synthetic trainers for airside drivers, and emphasizing the need for standardized data collection to improve the consistency of incident reporting. The document also provides extensive appendices offering detailed guidance on topics such as driver training, runway safety team guidelines, and aerodrome design. The core findings and recommendations focus on mitigating specific causal factors identified in incident reports. The plan highlights that pilots and drivers often enter runways without valid clearance due to communication failures or inadequate cockpit information. To address this, the EAPPRI recommends implementing "sterile cab" procedures for drivers, ensuring all vehicles maintain radio contact with air traffic control, and improving the clarity of signs, markings, and lights. It also calls for regulators to strengthen oversight of operators’ SMS and for organizations to reassess the effectiveness of their local RSTs. Furthermore, the plan addresses the challenge of information overload by recommending improvements in aeronautical information management, including the digitization of NOTAMs. It also acknowledges emerging technologies, such as Remote Tower Operations and remotely piloted aircraft systems, noting both their potential benefits and risks to runway safety. The significance of the EAPPRI lies in its role as a unified framework for enhancing runway safety across Europe. By aligning with ICAO standards and EU regulations, such as the Aerodrome Regulation (No 139/2014), the plan provides a consistent basis for safety improvements. It emphasizes the importance of mutual information exchange and lesson sharing among stakeholders to prevent future incidents. The document serves as a critical tool for regulators and operators to identify gaps in current practices, implement targeted safety measures, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Ultimately, the EAPPRI aims to reduce the frequency and severity of runway incursions by addressing systemic issues in communication, training, infrastructure, and regulatory oversight, thereby protecting the integrity of runway operations.

Key finding

The document establishes a comprehensive set of advisory recommendations for European aviation stakeholders to mitigate runway incursions, highlighting the elevation of 24-hour stop bar usage to a recommended practice and the critical importance of local Runway Safety Teams in implementing these safety measures.

Methodology

review

Provenance

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