Getting from the ramp to the runway, or vice versa, sounds simple…and in many cases it actually is. But having a casual attitude toward ground operations can get you into dangerous situations. Did you know that general aviation pilots cause about 80 percent of all runway incursions that are attributed to pilot error? You should ask your flying club members the same question, and if we’re all honest with ourselves we’ll admit that it’s probably time for a refresher.
The good news is that the Air Safety Institute (ASI) makes it easy and fun with a new online course about Runway Safety.
How do you cope with cockpit distractions, confusing taxiways, and miscommunications when operating at airports? Now you can test your knowledge from your desktop or tablet. ASI’s 45-minute course puts you in real-world scenarios that depict the complexities of ground operations.
Challenge your flying club members to participate in the course, which takes you through a series of airport trouble spots, including confusing signs, complex taxiway and runway layouts and unclear communications, all of which could lead to runway incursions or aircraft collisions on the ground. ASI first released a course about runway safety 14 years ago, but even if you’ve taken one of the previous versions, you’ll want to check out the latest course. It’s brand new and focuses on coping with real-world cockpit distractions, such as the increased attention pilots often give to advanced avionics, GPS systems, and tablet computers while taxiing.
Runway Safety is available to all pilots – not just AOPA members – and includes several actual incursion case studies that demonstrate how conflicts can occur during seemingly routine flights. This ASI course also includes instruction and tips from several air safety experts, as well as quizzes on airport situational awareness. And it’s convenient…the new course is optimized for use on mobile devices, so users can take it with them.
Safe pilots are always learning, and the Air Safety Institute’s goal is to ensure pilots have a wealth of information to keep flying safely. Our educational programs are funded through donations from pilots dedicated to forwarding that mission. Show your support by donating to the AOPA Foundation today (www.aopafoundation.org/donate).
