AVOP Runway Incursion Prevention 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'hot spot' on an airport surface movement chart?
- A location on the airport movement area with a history of runway incursions or surface incidents (Correct answer)
- An area where aircraft refueling operations take place
- A zone where ground vehicle speeds are restricted to 5 mph
- A region of high electromagnetic interference affecting radio communications
Correct answer: A location on the airport movement area with a history of runway incursions or surface incidents
A hot spot is a designated location on the airfield with a known history of runway incursions, surface incidents, or potential confusion, requiring heightened vigilance.
Question 2: If a vehicle operator realizes they have inadvertently entered an active runway, what is the immediate action?
- Immediately notify ATC of the incursion and follow ATC instructions (Correct answer)
- Exit the runway as quickly as possible without contacting ATC
- Stop the vehicle in place and activate hazard lights
- Proceed forward to the nearest taxiway exit at maximum speed
Correct answer: Immediately notify ATC of the incursion and follow ATC instructions
Immediately notifying ATC allows them to stop any aircraft on approach or departure and direct the vehicle to safety as quickly as possible.
Question 3: Which US federal agency classifies and investigates runway incursions?
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (Correct answer)
- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Correct answer: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The FAA is responsible for classifying runway incursions into severity categories and conducting investigations to improve safety.
Question 4: What category of runway incursion represents the most critical level of severity where a collision was narrowly avoided?
- Category A (Correct answer)
- Category B
- Category C
- Category D
Correct answer: Category A
A Category A runway incursion is the most severe, involving a situation in which a collision was narrowly avoided.
Question 5: What is required before a ground vehicle crosses an active runway at a controlled airport?
- Explicit verbal clearance from ATC specifically authorizing the runway crossing (Correct answer)
- Confirmation from the airside supervisor that the runway is clear
- Visual verification that no aircraft are within 1 mile on approach
- Activation of the vehicle's flashing amber light and a radio call on the UNICOM frequency
Correct answer: Explicit verbal clearance from ATC specifically authorizing the runway crossing
At a controlled airport, a vehicle must receive explicit ATC clearance — including the runway designation — before crossing any active runway.
Question 6: Runway Guard Lights (also called 'wig-wag' lights) are installed to warn vehicle operators of what?
- The approach to a runway holding position where a runway crossing requires ATC clearance (Correct answer)
- The boundary between the aircraft parking apron and the taxiway
- An active construction zone along the taxiway edge
- The threshold of a runway cleared for landing traffic only
Correct answer: The approach to a runway holding position where a runway crossing requires ATC clearance
Runway guard lights are alternately flashing yellow lights installed at taxiway/runway intersections to alert operators that they are approaching a runway holding position.
Question 7: What does the phrase 'position and hold' (now 'line up and wait') instruct an aircraft or vehicle to do?
- Enter the runway and wait in position for takeoff clearance without crossing to the far end (Correct answer)
- Hold short of the runway until further clearance is issued
- Exit the runway immediately and hold on the adjacent taxiway
- Proceed across the runway and hold on the opposite side
Correct answer: Enter the runway and wait in position for takeoff clearance without crossing to the far end
'Line up and wait' instructs the aircraft (or vehicle in training contexts) to enter and align on the runway but not depart until takeoff clearance is issued.
AVOP Runway Incursion Prevention 2
What is a 'hot spot' on an airport surface movement chart?