Congestion on airport runways is a major safety concern. The nation¿s aviation system is expected to grow and become more crowded in the coming years, exacerbating concerns about ground safety issues, including runway incursions, which occur when aircraft enter runways without authorization. This statement addresses: (1) recent trends in runway incursions; (2) steps taken to improve runway safety; and (3) what more could be done. Work on this report included surveying experts on the causes of runway incidents and accidents and the effectiveness of measures to address them, reviewing safety data, and interviewing agency and industry officials. Includes info. on recent incursions and actions taken since Nov. 2007. Charts and tables.

Covering one of the top three safety issues in aviation, this title uses case studies to demonstrate how and why runway incursions occur. It emphasizes techniques for avoidance, recovery, and prevention; and integrates runway diagrams and FAA regulations.