(ACTIVE MUSIC)
(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER)
Lima Echo Quebec, report established three mile final.
Runway 1-1. Traffic ahead doing the same, a Tobago.
Zero Alfa Romeo, stop, stop, stop!
(CRASH!)
NARRATOR: No-one wants this to happen,
but unbelievably, there are hundreds of runway incursions
every year around Australia.
So to stop you becoming a statistic,
we'll give you some useful tips and advice
on how to taxi safely.
Today, there are millions of tower operations annually
and the numbers are growing.
Pilots are challenged with more complex air traffic procedures,
more complicated layout design
and more and more, it's an environment of real risk.
At many of our busy secondary aerodromes around the country,
Class D procedures have now been established.
Before operating at these aerodromes,
which include major training locations
such as Bankstown, Moorabbin and Jandakot,
it's essential that you're familiar
with the specific entry and clearance requirements,
both airborne and on the ground.
Know what an abbreviated air space clearance means.
And brush up on taxi and start clearances.
In the air and on the ground,
pilots need to develop strategies
and plan effectively to manage risk
by following procedures, using current aerodrome charts
and planning taxi routes.
One of the first keys to situational awareness
is attention to detail even before you start your engine.
Always anticipate your taxi route,
basing your plans on the ATIS and NOTAMs
and, where possible, talk to the locals.
It's also essential to study
your departure and arrival aerodrome charts,
paying particular attention to complex intersections,
especially those crossing runways.
And it's a good idea to carry the charts with you when taxiing.
You may need to check them if your planned route is not available.
Charts are available in the ERSA,
in departure and approach procedures
and on VTCs.
A positive step to avoiding runway incursions
is following good taxiing procedures.
So let's hear from someone who should know.
The main reason for runway incursions
is probably pilots being unfamiliar with the airport
and possibly not studying their ERSA well enough
before they go to the unfamiliar airport.
So if they can look at their ERSA in detail before they go,
and very importantly, ask the tower for assistance
if they're unfamiliar with the area.
Get taxiway guidance and keep your eyes open.
Keep your eyes outside.
And always stay well clear of the holding point
and keep it in view at all times
so that if your feet slip off the brakes
or if you get distracted for a moment,
you don't accidentally creep forward onto the runway.
And be mindful that once you go past the holding point,
you are actually on the runway.
The gable markers might actually be in a slightly different place.
NARRATOR: Situational awareness is vital to your survival,
so you should minimise heads-down activities,
avoid distractions,
and maintain a sterile cockpit
so you can remain focused on the task at hand.
Know and understand all the signs, markings and lights.
Use your chart and monitor the radio
to assist locating other aircraft and air side vehicles.
If you become doubtful about your location,
firstly, make sure you're clear of the runway.
Stop the aircraft, and then contact ATC for help.
If you appear to have radio troubles,
look to the tower for a light signal.
Always comply with hold short or runway crossing instructions.
When instructed to hold short,
stop behind the first solid line of the runway holding point.
These markings will always be set back from the runway
and never aligned with the edge of the sealed surface.
You must never cross a runway holding point without a clearance.
CONTROLLER: Whiskey Hotel Kilo, cross runway 1-5.
Taxi via the taxiway holding point Bravo 2.
Cross runway 1-5 and taxi via the taxiway to Bravo 2.
Whiskey Hotel Kilo.
NARRATOR: Scan the length of the runway and the approaches
even if you've received a clearance.
Expect the unexpected.
If you're given an instruction by ATC
to line up and wait,
remain aware and continue scanning for aircraft
on final and on the runway.
In some instances, similar-sounding call signs have been a factor
in the wrong aircraft lining up.
Make sure that any instruction to line up or cross a runway
is specifically directed to you.
CONTROLLER: Hotel Quebec Romeo, hold position.
PILOT OVER RADIO: Holding position, Hotel Quebec Romeo.
CONTROLLER: Zero Foxtrot Romeo, cleared for take-off.
Cleared for take-off, Zero Foxtrot Romeo.
NARRATOR: Take note of the amount of time that passes,
and if you are held for more than 90 seconds beyond your departure time,
contact ATC.
After landing, use utmost caution
where the exit taxiways intersect another runway,
especially where there's parallel runways.
Don't exit onto another runway without a clearance.
Be on your guard and keep a good lookout.
Remember, you must have a clearance before you cross or enter any runway.
At non-towered aerodromes,
it's up to good airmanship
and keeping a good look-out for aircraft on final.
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
And giving the appropriate calls before entering the runway.
Remain alert at all times.
Effective pilot-controller communications
is vital to safe aerodrome operations.
Pilots can help by using standard phraseology
that is clear and concise.
Jandakot tower, Charlie Alfa Romeo
ready at the holding point of runway 1-2
for runway 0-6 Left.
CONTROLLER: Charlie Alfa Romeo, enter runway 1-2.
Hold short runway 0-6 Left.
PILOT: Enter runway 1-2, hold short of runway 0-6 Left.
Charlie Alfa Romeo.
Here are some things to consider.
Always state your position
when making contact with a ground or tower controller.
Focus on what ATC is telling you,
acknowledge all clearances,
and read back the required elements
and end the transmission with your call sign.
A simple 'wilco' or 'roger' won't do.
When holding, monitor the tower frequency for any conflicts
involving your runway.
Also listen to what the controller is saying to other aircraft.
It can have a critical bearing on your safety.
Again, the key is situational awareness.
Be sure you understand all air traffic control instructions.
If you receive a clearance you don't understand,
that's only partly received
or that's contrary to your position on the airport,
verify the instruction.
If you're ever in doubt, ask air traffic control.
That's what we're here to do, to provide a service to aircraft
and to guide you to where you need to go.
Whether you're a 5,000-hour pilot or whether you're a 50-hour pilot,
we're happy to help,
and you should feel happy to ask air traffic control for that help.
Runway incursions happen
when aircraft enter or cross a runway without a clearance.
In some instances, it's when a controller makes a mistake.
So if you're unsure, check and double-check.
Markings, signs and lights are designed to assist you
in navigating around an aerodrome,
and there are some common principles to remember.
Runway markings are white,
although yellow taxiway centre lines may lead on, lead off
and cross the runway.
Taxiway markings are yellow.
Markings on aprons and ramps may include other colours.
Holding markings on taxiways
consist of multiple lines,
some solid and some dashed.
It's permissible to cross from the dashed to the solid side.
This is mainly after landing when exiting a runway.
Take note - the dashed side faces the runway
and ATC permission is always required
to cross from the solid to the dashed side.
So when you're told to hold short,
stop before the first solid line.
Additionally, at holding points,
you should see signs and gable markers.
However, at some aerodromes, these may not be used.
There are usually four types of signs at aerodromes
and it's essential that you understand the colour coding.
Location signs identify the taxiway you're on.
They have a yellow inscription on a black background.
Mandatory instruction signs
identify the entrance to a runway
or to a critical or prohibited area.
They have white inscriptions on a red background.
Direction signs identify the taxiways
leading out of an intersection
with an arrow indicating the approximate direction of turn needed.
They're located before the intersection,
normally with a location sign.
They have a yellow background with black inscriptions.
Destination signs identify with arrows
the direction to a destination like a runway or a terminal.
They also have a yellow background with black inscriptions.
There are many lighting combinations at different aerodromes.
For taxiing operations, remember the following.
Runway edge lights are white,
but with high-intensity lighting,
the last 600m will be yellow.
Runway guard lights are flashing yellow
either in the pavement or on the side of the taxiway.
They highlight a holding point.
Taxiway edge lights or reflectors are blue.
Taxiway centre line lights are green.
Pilots, controllers and drivers of air side vehicles
all rely on their eyes as primary senses.
The simple fact is that our eyes don't work as well at night.
The visual acuity we lose combined with inconsistent cockpit lighting,
reflections, rain, snow or fog
make taxi, take-off and landing operations
a real challenge.
So simple tips when to use your lights are -
while your engines are running, turn on the rotating beacon.
Prior to taxiing, turn on navigation, taxi, and logo lights.
When you're given a clearance to cross a runway,
turn all lights on, but be aware of other aerodrome users.
Don't dazzle their eyes.
And when lining up and waiting,
consider lining up a metre to the left or right of the centre line
so pilots on short final can better distinguish your aircraft
from the runway lights.
If you see an aircraft with its landing lights on,
it's a clear signal the aircraft is about to
or is moving down the runway for take-off.
To be more conspicuous,
it's a good idea to use your lights during the day
as well as at night.
It's all very simple.
All you need is a good dose of common sense
and to remain constantly vigilant.
So let's have a look at what we've discussed.
Always look, listen and expect the unexpected.
Know where you are and where you're going.
Maintain situational awareness.
Study the aerodrome charts before taxiing.
Identify complex intersections
and potential runway crossings.
When instructed to hold short,
stop behind the first solid line marked on the taxiway.
Always obtain a clearance before crossing a runway holding point.
Continually scan the runway and final approach for aircraft.
When communicating with air traffic control,
listen before transmitting.
If you don't know, ask.