The FAA has been trying for years to decrease the number of runway incursions with little to no luck.  Back in 2007 the FAA started a campaign to reduce these incursion and for the first year saw a noticeable decline in the numbers.  Gradually though, those numbers have been on in increase.  What can be done to reduce these numbers?  Well, here are some things to consider:

1.  It takes proper planning by reviewing the airport signage and markings as well as NOTAMS and current ATIS for closures

2. It requires situational awareness by having the chart displayed in front of your either in paper or electronic form.  You can also cross reference your heading indicator while taxing to verify you are heading in the right direction.

3.  Write your taxi clearance and instructions down while they are being given to you

4.  If you operate in a two-crew operation, keep your crewmembers “in-the-loop” by minimizing the amount of checklists done while moving.  This will help both pilots keep their heads up and eyes outside the airplane.

5. Communicate anything that doesn’t seem to make sense  and repeat your taxi clearance to ATC.  If you have been waiting in position for a while, make sure you say something to ATC as opposed to just sitting there doing nothing.

6. Use proper exterior lighting  by observing some simple procedures:

– Use your taxi light while moving and turn it off when you are not moving

– Turn on all your lights while taxing across a runway

– In cleared to “Line Up and Wait”  – Turn on all your lights except your landing lights.  Then once cleared for takeoff, turn on your landing light.   If you see an aircraft on the runway with its landing lights on it should be assumed they have been cleared for takeoff.

If you want further information regarding runway incursion prevention, visit the website at www.faa.gov