ABSTRACT
The FAA defines a runway incursion as: “Any occurrence at an airport [with an operating control tower] involving an aircraft, vehicle, person, or object on the ground that creates a collision hazard or results in a loss of separation with an aircraft taking off, intending to take off, landing, or intending to land.” (FAA, 2002a).
A method for rating severity of runway incursions is presented. For each of a set of scenario classes covering different types of runway incursions, severity ratings are pre-assigned for combinations of closest horizontal or vertical proximity and minimum/maximum levels of pre-determined moderating factors. These values determine preset coefficients for a computerized algorithm, which is later used to determine the severity rating of each individual incursion and its particular reported variables.
Upon the occurrence of any runway incursion, analysts categorize the event with respect to the scenario and the levels of each of the several influencing factors. Closest horizontal or vertical proximity is estimated by the controller that observed the event. From this information, the computer determines the severity rating for that particular incursion.
Comparisons of calculations to ratings already made by the FAA are encouraging. All parameters of the algorithm including the “best” and “worst” ratings for each scenario and proximity, the factor definitions and the scaling of the factor influence, will be amenable to adjustment until validation of the model is complete.
