In a decisive move to enhance aviation safety, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has rolled out specific measures aimed at mitigating the risk of runway incursions at Indian airports. The comprehensive guidelines come in response to a tragic incident at Haneda Airport in Tokyo on January 2, where a Japan Coast Guard aircraft intruded onto the runway, resulting in a collision with a Japan Airlines A350 aircraft.
The DGCA, India’s apex aviation regulatory body, has issued a circular outlining targeted measures to address and reduce the occurrence of runway incursions, a critical safety concern in the aviation sector. The move is driven by the imperative to bolster safety protocols and prevent incidents that could compromise the well-being of air travelers.
Key directives from the DGCA include the activation of stop bars by Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) to signal aircraft when not to proceed, the establishment of contingency plans in case stop bars malfunction, and the formation of dedicated runway safety teams at airports. Additionally, the regulator underscores the importance of conducting comprehensive training programs for various stakeholders, including pilots, ATC personnel, aircraft maintenance engineers, and airport drivers.
The circular emphasises the need for heightened situational awareness through technological interventions, urging airports, airlines, and other stakeholders to adopt advanced systems that assist ATC and other personnel in identifying traffic in critical maneuvering areas. Recognizing the influence of human factors on performance, the DGCA highlights the importance of acknowledging and addressing these elements to prevent runway incursions.
In a bid to ensure effective implementation, the DGCA instructs each airport to establish a dedicated runway safety team, charged with overseeing and optimising safety measures. The circular also mandates the proper functioning of stop bars, with clear instructions that aircraft or vehicles should never be directed to cross illuminated red stop bars.
Moreover, the DGCA advocates the development and implementation of contingency measures to address unserviceable stop bars, demonstrating a commitment to proactive risk management. The circular concludes with a call for comprehensive training for drivers of vehicles on the tarmac, aircraft maintenance engineers, ATC personnel, and pilots to enhance awareness and prevent runway incursions.
By unveiling these stringent measures and promoting a culture of proactive safety, the DGCA aims to significantly reduce the risk of runway incursions across Indian airports, fostering a secure and resilient aviation ecosystem.
