Access ERSA and the DAP in the Aeronautical Information Package (AIP) for the most current information.

A runway excursion is an event in which an aircraft veers off or overruns the runway surface during either take-off or landing. Many factors can cause a runway excursion, including runway contamination, adverse weather conditions, mechanical failure, pilot error, and unstable approaches. While Australia has had no fatal runway excursion incidents, the high number of international accidents requires a proactive approach in Australia to manage this risk.

Unstable approaches are recognised precursors to many accidents. Both the pilot and the air traffic controller contribute to safe and stable approaches. Airservices, in conjunction with CANSO and industry workgroups, has released a range of products to improve understanding of unstable approaches and to minimise the likelihood of runway excursions:

• Unstable Approaches: Risk Mitigation Policies, Procedures and Best Practice
• Website — Runway excursions safety

It is a particular problem at aerodromes with parallel runway systems where it is relatively easy to mistake runways during the day or night. Runway confusion can also occur when a taxiway, usually parallel, is mistaken for a runway. It is most often a problem at night.

In addition to thoroughly planning your aerodrome operation to avoid runway confusion:

• maintain situational awareness
• pay careful attention to runways in clearances
• always read back an assigned runway in full, for example, 'three one left'
• if you are performing a non-precision approach, circling approach, or a visual approach, take sufficient time during the approach briefing to confirm how you will positively identify the correct runway
• whenever conditions permit, ensure you visually identify the correct runway before entering or landing on it.

Signage, orientation, and runway markings are all important identifying features. Runway lighting is different from taxiway lighting and should allow the flight crew to distinguish one from the other.

Runway stop bars

A runway stop bar is a row of lights that an aircraft must not cross without both an air traffic control clearance and the lights being extinguished.

Many international airports use stop bars. Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane airports all have installed stop bars.

For more information access the:

• Runway Stop Bars fact sheet.
• Stop Bars Presentation

Advanced Surface Movement Guidance Control System (A-SMGCS)

A-SMGCS is an air traffic surveillance system enabling aircraft and vehicles on the airport surface to be accurately tracked by air traffic control in all visibility conditions. To cooperate with A-SMGCS, pilots should operate their transponders in accordance with AIP Australia ENR 1.6, 7.1.9. There is no ‘Squawk Ident’ procedure associated with A-SMGCS as all tracking is automatic. If A-SMGCS is unavailable, ATC may stop or restrict low visibility operations.

Vehicle locators, often referred to as ‘VeeLo’, will progressively be fitted on vehicles required to operate on runways and/or taxiways at A-SMGCS airports. Vehicle locators are Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transmitters that send vehicle information to the A-SMGCS system enabling the vehicle to be automatically tracked and identified on ATC tower displays. They usually switch on and off through the vehicle ignition switch and will only transmit to ATC when the vehicle is in an area of ATC interest - often, but not necessarily, only taxiways and runways. There is no requirement for drivers to interact with the VeeLo unless it has a manual ON/OFF switch; however, if it is not operating correctly, drivers may be requested by ATC to have it repaired.

Familiarise yourself with the Runway Safety Checklist for Pilots/Aircraft operators

See the full version of the Runway Safety Checklist