Runway-Taxiway Intersection
Runway-taxiway intersections are critical areas on airport layouts where taxiways cross runways, requiring pilots to exercise extreme caution and obtain Air Traffic Control (ATC) clearance before crossing. Historically, these intersections have been a source of runway incursions, leading to safety initiatives and improvements in markings and procedures.
Key Details
Purpose: Runway-taxiway intersections are designed to allow aircraft to move between taxiways and runways, facilitating takeoff and landing operations.
Safety: These intersections are considered "hot spots" due to the potential for conflicts between aircraft on the ground and those on the runway.
Markings: Clear markings, including runway holding position signs (yellow lines), are used to indicate where pilots must stop before crossing a runway.
ATC Clearance: Pilots must obtain specific clearance from ATC before crossing a runway at an intersection.
Historical Context
- Runway incursions, where aircraft or vehicles enter a runway when they shouldn't, have been a serious safety concern.
- The FAA has implemented initiatives like the Runway Incursion Mitigation (RIM) program to identify and mitigate risk factors at airports with a history of incursions.
- These factors include unclear taxiway markings, airport signage, and complex runway/taxiway layouts.
- Solutions include physical changes, education campaigns, and designating "hot spots".
- The FAA has also developed guidance for pilots on safe surface operations, including procedures for crossing runways at intersections.
Modern Practices
- Runway Entrance Lights (RWL) are used to indicate the presence of aircraft on the runway or approaching for landing.
- Pilots are trained to scan the runway before crossing and to be vigilant, especially during low visibility conditions.
- 90-degree intersections are preferred as they offer pilots better visibility of potential traffic.
Intersection Departures
Controllers may authorize intersection departures, but pilots must be aware that this reduces the available runway length and can affect takeoff performance.
