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FAA to invest millions in airports after near-fatal incidents.

The FAA Takes Action to ‍Improve Airport ⁢Safety

The Federal Aviation⁢ Administration (FAA) ‍has recently announced a ⁣significant investment in airports across the country following a series‍ of near-fatal collisions. These close-call ⁢incidents have been confirmed ‍by both ⁣the FAA‌ and ​the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed concern earlier this ⁤year, stating ⁢that the nation’s⁢ airports ‍were on track ‌to experience over​ 20 close‌ calls in the year.

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During an FAA‌ safety‌ summit⁢ earlier this year, Secretary Buttigieg⁢ highlighted that there seemed to be an increase in⁣ mistakes occurring throughout the aviation system, including runways, gates, control towers, and flight decks.

In⁣ response to these concerns, the FAA introduced a Safety Call to Action plan in February. This plan aimed to address‍ the identified risks at‌ airports across the ‌nation. ‍The subsequent FAA⁤ Safety Summit in March brought together leaders‌ from various ‍sectors within ​the⁤ aviation industry to identify potential safety risks and develop solutions.

In an August‍ 23 press release, the FAA ​announced an additional ​investment ⁤of $121 ⁣million to mitigate runway ⁤incursions⁤ and ⁤support airport⁤ infrastructure projects. These projects ⁣include reconfiguring taxiways, installing new lighting systems, and providing more flexibility⁢ on the ⁢airfield.

Shannetta Griffin, Associate Administrator for Airports, emphasized the FAA’s commitment​ to ending runway incursions, stating, “The FAA is⁣ serious about ending runway incursions and we are⁣ putting substantial resources⁢ behind our efforts. In‌ some cases, the best way to address‌ safety ⁣risks is modifying‍ or reconfiguring‌ existing ⁢airfields—these grants‍ directly‌ address those situations.”

A runway⁢ incursion is defined as any occurrence involving the incorrect ​presence of⁣ an aircraft, ​vehicle, or person on a ⁣designated ⁢landing and takeoff area at an ‍aerodrome.

According to FAA data, there have been 1,495 runway incursions ‍since October 2022.

To enhance safety, the FAA will be implementing several runway safety ⁢technologies. These technologies aim to provide ​pilots and air ⁣traffic controllers ‌with improved ​situational awareness.​ They include runway‍ status lights embedded in pavements to ⁢alert pilots of unsafe landing conditions, a new airport ⁢surveillance ⁣system called the Airport Surface Detection Equipment system, and the⁣ Taxiway Arrival Prediction system.

Eight Airports to⁢ Receive Long-Awaited⁣ Safety Upgrades

As part of the FAA’s investment, eight airports ‍have been selected⁢ to receive safety upgrades. These airports include Boston Logan International, Ted Stevens Anchorage International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, ‍Willow ‍Run⁣ Airport, Eugene F. Kranz Toledo⁢ Express Airport, Richmond International, Jackson Hole Airport, and Naples Municipal Airport.

Boston Logan International Airport has been awarded the highest ⁤grant amount of $44.9 million. The ‌funds will be‌ used to simplify the airfield‍ layout and rebuild and repair taxiways to maintain pavement ‍integrity⁢ and minimize debris.

Other airports, such as Ted Stevens Anchorage ‍International, Ronald⁢ Reagan Washington National, and Richmond International, have ⁤also⁣ received ⁣grants‍ to prevent‍ further incidents.

US Air Traffic ‌Controllers ‌Face Staffing Challenges

While the FAA is taking steps ⁣to improve airport safety, the issue‌ of understaffed and overworked air traffic ⁤controllers remains⁤ a concern.⁣ Over the past⁤ decade, the⁢ number of fully trained ​controllers has⁤ decreased by 10%, ‌while‍ airport‌ traffic ‌has ⁤increased by 5%.

A June report ​from the Department of Transportation’s inspector ⁢general highlighted the FAA’s ⁢lack of a plan to‌ address⁢ staffing shortages. Many ​controllers have ‍been required to ‍work six days a week due​ to⁤ a shortage ⁢of trained⁣ personnel.

Efforts are being ​made to address ‍these challenges​ and ensure the safety of ⁤the⁤ aviation system.



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