Don't Go There: Using Runway Intersection Lights to Prevent Runway Incursions

Abstract

This paper describes the results of a Human-in-the-Loop simulation, conducted at MITRE/CAASD's Integrated Air Traffic Management Laboratory for the FAA, 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 a warning system that provided visual warnings about surface traffic. In addition, pilots experienced simulation scenarios in a baseline condition, with no warnings. The ground-based warnings consisted of Runway Intersection Lights (RILs). Results indicate significant safety benefits of these direct pilot warnings by reducing the likelihood of runway safety incidents. The study did find shortcomings with some aspects of the warnings; mitigations are suggested.