FAA to enhance runway safety at 70 airports

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to enhance safety at more than 70 airports across the United States by installing new technology called the Runway Incursion Device (RID). This initiative aims to reduce incidents where aircraft unintentionally enter runways that are occupied or closed. The FAA expects to complete these installations by the end of 2026. The RID will be set up at 74 selected airports. This device can monitor up to eight runways, offering air traffic controllers better information about runway status. Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau emphasized the importance of this technology in keeping passengers safe. Four airports already have the RID in use, including locations in Colorado and Texas. Additional installations in Florida, California, and Idaho are set to happen soon. The RID is part of a broader effort by the FAA to improve runway safety. It is one of three new situational awareness tools. Another tool, the Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI), helps controllers track surface traffic at airports lacking significant surveillance technology. Currently, SAI operates at 18 airports, with plans to expand to 32 more by the end of this year. The third tool, called Approach Runway Verification (ARV), alerts controllers if an aircraft is headed for the wrong runway or taxiway. This system is already in use at 85 control towers and will be introduced to additional locations over time. This move to enhance airport safety comes in response to recent incidents and a call for action from previous FAA leadership. The agency has also invested heavily in airport infrastructure and safety enhancements to maintain a high level of safety in the aviation industry.