Fox Valley Flying Club

Newsletter, March 2002

Preventing Runway Incursions

Story submitted by Evan Wright

1. See the big picture

Monitor both ground and tower communications when possible.

2. Transmit Clearly

Make your instructions and read backs complete and easy to understand.

3. Listen Carefully

Listen to your clearance. Listen to what you read back. Do not let communications become automatic.

4. Copy Clearances

Clearances can change. Keep a not pad and copy your clearance. If need, refer to your notes.

5. Situational Awareness

Know your location. If unfamiliar with an airport keep a current airport diagram avaiable for easy reference.

6. Admit when Lost

If you get lost on an airport, ask ATC for help. Better to damage your pride than your airplane.

7. Sterile Cockpit

Maintain a sterile cockpit until reaching cruising altitude. Explain to your passengers that talking should be kept to a minimum.

8. Understand Signs, Lights, and Markings

Keep current with airport signs, lights, and markings. Know what they mean and what action to take.

9. Never Assume

Do not take clearances for granted. Look both ways before entering or crossing taxiways and runways.

10. Folow Procedures

Establish safe procedures for airport operations, then follow them.

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