Flight deck based indications and alerting to increase runway safety

This paper describes the development of a surface alerting capability based on the use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) that is projected for use by many classes of aircraft and at a range of airports. The capability is intended to help reduce the risk of runway incursions and collisions. The capability is developed by a working group that is part of RTCA Special Committee (SC) 186. The capability has been termed the Enhanced Traffic Situational Awareness on the Airport Surface with Indications and Alerts (ATSA SURF IA). The capability description is currently in draft status and is projected to be completed by mid 2009. This paper presents the current activity along with a concept description and a description of the main engineering and human factors issues.