The Effects of Direct Pilot Warnings on the Prevention of Runway Incursions

Abstract

This paper describes a human-in-the-loop simulation evaluating the effectiveness of integrated ground-based warning systems for improved runway safety. The evaluated warning systems contained technologies to enhance pilot awareness, as well as warn pilots about runway safety risks. Pilots experienced simulation scenarios with warning systems that provided either visual or audio warnings about surface traffic. In addition, pilots experienced simulation scenarios in a baseline condition, with no warnings. The ground-based warnings consisted of airport surface lights including Runway Entrance Lights, Take-off Hold Lights, Arrival Warning Lights, and an Auditory Arrival Runway Incursion Alerting System. Eye tracking was used to examine where pilots focused their attention when they are taxiing, departing, and arriving. Results indicate significant safety benefits of ground-based pilot warnings by reducing the likelihood of runway safety incidents.