The application of automatic surface lights to improve airport safety

A description is given of the US Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) Airport Surface Traffic Automation (ASTA) program, which is part of an effort to develop new techniques for managing airport traffic. ASTA focuses on advanced surveillance, communications, and automation techniques, with the objectives of improving airport safety, reducing delays, and increasing efficiency. The first phase of the ASTA program, ASTA-1, which calls for the development of a system of automatic runway status lights, is examined in more detail. The lights are designed for fully automatic operation in all weather conditions.<
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