FAA Safety Requirements for Airfield Construction

FAA Safety Requirements for
Airfield Construction

Purpose
• The purpose of this PowerPoint is to supplement the
airport specific training for construction personnel
working on or adjacent to runways and taxiways
addressing the Construction Safety Plan and airport
ground vehicle/pedestrian procedures.

Vehicle and Pedestrian Requirements
Related to Construction Activity
3

Definition of a Vehicle/Pedestrian Deviation (V/PD)
A Vehicle/Pedestrian Deviation (V/PD)
is an unauthorized access or
movement by a vehicle or pedestrian
on the movement area without Air
Traffic Control (ATC) clearance.
4

Definition of a Runway Incursion
A V/PD Runway Incursion is any
occurrence at an airport involving the
incorrect presence of a vehicle or person
on the protected area or a surface
designated for the landing and take-off
of aircraft.
5

Definition of a V/PD Surface Incident
A V/PD Surface Incident is any
unauthorized access onto an active
taxiway by a vehicle or pedestrian
without ATC clearance.
6

The Air Operations Area (AOA) is the portion of the airfield inside the security
fence where airport safety and security regulations apply.
Air Operations Area (AOA)
7

The Movement Area is the portion of the airfield where aircraft operate under
the control of the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT). The movement area
includes runways and taxiways. Normally, the apron area is non-movement
area, however, at some airports, a taxiway may be located adjacent to the
apron area and be under the control of Air Traffic Control.
Movement Areas – Towered Airports
Non-movement area
Movement AreaMovement Area
8

At airports where a taxiway is located adjacent to the apron area and under the
control of the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), a non-movement area
boundary marking will be installed on the apron to identify where pilots, vehicle
operators and pedestrians must obtain ATCT clearance to proceed.
Non-movement area
Movement Area
Movement Area
Taxiway
Non-movement area
boundary marking
9
Apron

The dashed line is on the movement area side of the marking, which is
controlled by Air Traffic Control (ATC). Do NOT walk or drive across this line
without ATC clearance. If you cross this line without clearance, you have
committed a V/PD surface incident.
ATC ControlledATC Controlled
Movement AreaMovement Area
10
Non-movement area
boundary marking
UncontrolledUncontrolled
Non-movementNon-movement
AreaArea

Runway safety area dimensions are based on the size and landing speed of
the aircraft using the runway. Typically, for runways used by airlines, the
runway safety area extends 250 ft from runway centerline and 1000 ft off each
end.
Runway Safety Area
Runway
1000’
250’
1000’
Typical Runway Used by Airlines
Runway Safety Areas
11

The runway safety area enhances the safety of airplanes which undershoot,
overrun, or veer off the runway, and it provides greater accessibility for
firefighting and rescue equipment during such incidents. (AC 150/5300-13,
Airport Design, Appendix 8, Par 3a)
Runway Safety Areas
12

Vehicles or unauthorized objects in runway safety areas compromise the
integrity of the safety area in the event that an aircraft leaves the pavement.
Runway Safety Areas
13

The purpose of the runway safety area is to minimize the damage to an aircraft that
inadvertently leaves the runway. For this reason, it must remain “sterile” during aircraft
operations.
However, during some construction projects, it is necessary for work to be conducted in
a portion of the runway safety area. In these situations, construction work may be
conducted no closer than 200 feet from the runway centerline. If these conditions
cannot be met, the runway must be closed to air carriers.
14

If construction equipment/vehicles operate within 200 feet of the runway
centerline during air carrier operations, the airport operator is subject to FAA
enforcement action for violation of Part 139.309(b)(4), 139.201(a), 139.329(b)
or 139.329(e). 15

A
A1
A
A1
A1A
To protect the runway and runway safety area, holding positions are installed at
the boundary of the runway safety area on all taxiways that enter runways.
A
Runway Safety Area Boundary
A20 - 2A1 2
Typically 1000’
off each runway
end
Typically 250’
from runway
centerline
Runway Safety Areas
16

Runway holding positions on taxiways have both a holding position sign and
holding position marking.
A “Location Sign” identifies the
taxiway you are on. At this
location, you are on Taxiway
Charlie.
Holding Position
Marking
Holding Position
Sign
Runway 13-31
Runway Holding Positions
17

Runway holding position signs have a red background with white legend. The
runway designations are arranged in the direction of the runway thresholds.
Runway 19L is to the left and Runway 1R is to the right.
18

Runway holding position markings consist of two solid lines and two dashed
lines. The solid lines are the holding side of the marking.
Holding side
RunwayRunway
Holding Position Marking
19

Vehicle/Pedestrian Deviations (V/PD)
Holding Point
A vehicle operator or pedestrian crossing the holding position
marking for an active runway without ATCT authorization, commits
a V/PD runway incursion. 20

Certificated airports are in the process of installing enhanced taxiway centerlines to alert
pilots and vehicle operators that they are approaching a runway holding position. These
markings consist of dashes on both sides of the taxiway centerline, which start 150 feet
prior to the hold position marking. These markings may or may not be installed at the
airport you are working on.
Enhanced Taxiway Centerline
Marking
21

Surface painted holding position signs may be located at some runway holding positions.
Surface Painted
Holding Position Sign
22

If you become lost on the airfield movement area,
absolutely do not cross a runway holding
position.
Runway Holding
Position
23

Barricades are used to keep aircraft out of closed areas and to keep
construction vehicles out of active movement areas. They look the same in
both situations. Vehicle operators need to pay close attention when driving
through or around barricades to make sure you are not entering an active
movement area.
Airport Construction Barricades
24

When construction activity is being conducted on a taxiway adjacent to an
active runway, barricades are normally installed along the runway holding
position marking. Do not drive through the barricades without ATCT clearance
in this situation or you will be committing a V/PD Runway Incursion.
25

Construction personnel have become confused and exited construction areas in the
wrong direction, resulting in a surface incident or runway incursion.
26

A cement truck working on Taxiway Charlie proceeded past the barricades on the
taxiway and crossed Runway 15 to Taxiway Lima without authorization. The truck then
reversed course and crossed Runway 15 back to Taxiway Charlie. A Cessna C525 on 1
mile final was issued a go around.
V/PD Runway Incursion – March 2008
27

Driving or walking on an active taxiway without ATCT clearance is
a V/PD Surface Incident. 28

Driving or walking on an active runway or runway safety area,
without ATC clearance, is a V/PD Runway Incursion. 29

What happens when a V/PD occurs.
• The Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) completes FAA Form 8020-24,
Preliminary V/PD Deviation Report.
• FAA Airports Division issues a Letter of Investigation to the airport
operator.
• The airport operator investigates the incident, initiates corrective actions as
appropriate, and sends a report to the FAA Airports Division.
• The FAA Airports Division investigates the incident, reviews the airport’s
ground vehicle procedures, training program, records and incident report
on the V/PD.
• The Airport Certification Inspector determines appropriate action and
issues a closeout letter, Warning Letter, Letter of Correction, or initiates
civil penalty action as a result of the FAA’s investigation.
• The Airport Certification Inspector completes FAA Form 8020-25,
Investigation of V/PD Report.
30

What happens when a V/PD occurs.
Construction personnel committing a V/PD will likely
lose their authorization to be on the airport Air
Operations Area, or as a minimum, be required to be
retrained.
31

Your activity on the movement area is being observed. ATCT personnel are
required to report any unauthorized access or operation on the movement area.
32

When being escorted on the movement area, all drivers must stay with the
escort vehicle while being escorted.
Examples of Construction Related V/PDs
Construction Vehicle Runway Incursion, October, 2007
Two contractor vehicles (pick-up truck and front end loader) were observed by
a Port Authority vehicle crossing Runway 17C at Taxiway ER without
authorization. No conflicts reported. The vehicle operator told the Port
Authority that they were being escorted around the south end of 17C and saw a
shortcut, and decided to take it.
33

When being escorted on the movement area, drivers must not pass the escort
vehicle at any time.
Construction Vehicle Runway Incursion, November, 2007
An airport vehicle escorting 2 construction vehicles, was instructed to hold short
of Runway 4/22 at A4 intersection. A CANADAIR CRJ2 on landing reported
one vehicle partially past the hold short line as the CRJ2 passed A4
intersection. The vehicle stopped approximately 5-10 feet past hold line and
closest proximity to runway edge line was 165 feet horizontal.
Examples of V/PDs
34

When escorting personnel and vehicles on the movement area, do not leave
them alone at any time.
Construction Personnel Surface Incident, June 2009
Two personnel with a paint crew working on the apron, walked across the non-
movement area boundary marking without ATC clearance resulting in a V/PD
surface incident. The paint crew did not receive any ground vehicle/pedestrian
training and was being escorted by a trained individual who left the paint crew
alone when the V/PD occurred.
Examples of V/PDs
35

This runway incursion by a construction vehicle almost resulted in a collision
with an aircraft.
Construction Vehicle Runway Incursion, December, 2007
Runway 16/34 is closed and under construction. Taxiway A has been
temporarily converted into Runway 17/35. A construction vehicle (Chevy pick-
up truck) originating from the closed runway, proceeded via Taxiway Delta to
Runway 17 without any communications with the tower. The vehicle entered
the runway at high speed, as a Beech BE99 was just passing Taxiway D on
landing roll out Runway 17. The controller stated that it just missed the tail of
the aircraft and the vehicle turned northbound on the runway. According to
Arpt Mgr, the intersection is properly signed and marked and the contractor
informed him that all were trained.
Examples of V/PDs
36

June 11, 2009 – During an apron rehab project, the consultant Engineer’s Inspector was
escorting a paint crew on the apron and adjacent Taxiway Alpha. The Engineer’s
Inspector left the paint crew on the apron unescorted while he coordinated work activity
with the FBO. During the time he was at the FBO, two of the paint crew walked across
the non-movement area boundary marking without ATC clearance, resulting in a V/PD
surface incident.
V/PD Surface Incident

V/PD Surface Incident
Taxiway Alpha
crossing point with
Flag personnel
July 24, 2009 – After being cleared to proceed across active Taxiway Alpha by a flag
person, a contractor employee turned right and drove down the active portion of Taxiway
Alpha without ATC clearance. A different phase of the Taxiway Alpha reconstruction
project went into effect July 20th
and the construction employee did not receive training
for the new phase of the project. That portion of Alpha had previously been closed.

Construction personnel authorized adjacent to or on the movement area must
be properly trained in the airport’s pedestrian and ground vehicle procedures or
be escorted by a trained individual.
Preventing V/PDs
39

AOA access control procedures must be in place where construction
equipment and personnel enter the AOA.
Preventing V/PDs
40

Vehicle operators must comply with the directions of flag personnel where
construction equipment must cross an active portion of the movement area and
procedures for flag personnel are in place.
Preventing V/PDs
41

Construction activity provides a much higher risk of pedestrian and ground
vehicle deviations due to a large number of personnel, who are not familiar with
the airport, operating on or adjacent to movement areas. Watch for warning
signs that may be posted adjacent to active movement areas.
Preventing V/PDs
42

Construction vehicles normally drive through barricades to enter and leave
construction sites. Sometimes barricades are installed close together to
prevent vehicles from inadvertently entering an active portion of the movement
area. Do not remove barricades to drive through. You may be entering an
active movement area without clearance.
Preventing V/PDs
43

Preventing V/PDs
Sometimes fencing will be installed adjacent to the movement areas. Do not
cross any fencing. 44

This construction warning sign was not moved back into place after the runway
was reopened to prevent inadvertent entry into the runway safety area.
Example of Problem – Construction
45

The sand bags weighing down this construction warning sign deteriorated to
the point where they were no longer effective.
46

If you are authorized to drive on the movement area, always look carefully
before crossing a runway, even when cleared by ATC. Controllers, pilots and
vehicle drivers can make a mistake. 47

Other FAA Airport
Certification
Regulation Issues
Related to
Construction
Activity
48

Barricades/Red Lights
Barricades are used to mark closed pavement and keep aircraft from entering
the closed area. 49

AC 150/5370-2E, Par 3-8 b) states, “With taxiways, place an “X” at the
entrance of the closed taxiway.” The use of an “X” provides a good visual
reference of closed taxiways to pilots flying over the airport before landing.
50

A
2A
Use a temporary “X” at the entrance to the runway exit from the runway.
20 - 2A1
A1
A
A1
A1A
Installing theInstalling the
barricades 200’ frombarricades 200’ from
runway centerlinerunway centerline
would be more visiblewould be more visible
to pilots compared toto pilots compared to
locating them on thelocating them on the
holdline.holdline.
Temporary “X”
51

A
2A
Installing barricades 200’ from the runway centerline would better identify the
closed runway exit to pilots during both day and night conditions. However,
barricades must be the low mass easily collapsible type if located in the runway
safety area.
20 - 2A1
A1
A
A1
A1A 200’
52

The barricades for this construction area are at the entrance to the closed
taxiway in the far background. Additional barricades should have also been
placed at the construction site in this situation. A pilot could have missed
seeing the barricades if they approached the taxiway from the apron. This
could also be a potentially dangerous situation for vehicle operators at night.
53

Be sure that the retroreflective stripes on barricades are facing in the right
direction. The stripes at this location are facing the closed area. 54

Barricades used to mark construction areas or closed pavement must be as
low as possible to the ground; low mass; easily collapsible upon contact with an
aircraft or any of its components; and weighted or sturdily attached to the
surface to prevent displacement from prop wash, jet blast, wing vortex, or other
surface wind currents. (AC 150/5370-2E, Par 3-9 b) This particular barricade is
designed to be filled with water. 55

Railroad ties are not to be used on runways, which includes the runway safety
area. (AC 150/5370-2E, Par 3-9 b)
56

The use of concrete jersey barricades in the movement areas (adjacent to
taxiways) is not acceptable. (AC 150/5370-2E, Par 3-9 b)
Non-movement Area
Movement Area
57

Low profile, low mass barricades must be used to mark the boundary of
construction areas that are adjacent to open taxiways. 58

Highway type barricades may be too high for use adjacent to movement areas.
59

Props on twin engine aircraft could hit taller highway type barricades.
Is there a chance that this
barricade could be hit by a
prop?
60

Some aircraft have engines that are located fairly close to the ground, limiting
the height of barricades used to mark construction areas adjacent to movement
areas used by these aircraft. The possibility of engine ingestion is also a
concern when placing barricades adjacent to taxi routes.
61

The taller type barricades should be okay where located some distance off an
active taxiway to block off a closed taxiway. These barricades are more visible
and may be better when used to mark closed taxiways or runway exits when
set back from the active movement area.
62

The use of a temporary taxiway ending marker to supplement barricades is a
good practice and highly recommended to mark closed taxiways. These
markers are visible to pilots from a farther distance than the typical low profile
type barricades.
Taxiway Ending Marker
63

Use highly reflective barriers with flashing or steady-burning red lights to
barricade taxiways leading to closed runways. Evaluate all operating factors
when determining how to mark temporary closures that can last from 10 to 15
minutes to a much longer period of time. However, we strongly recommend
that, even for closures of relatively short duration, major taxiway/runway
intersections be identified with barricades spaced no greater than 20 feet apart.
(AC 150/5370-2E, Par 3-9 b) 64

In accordance with AC 150/5370-2E, Operational Safety on Airports During
Construction, Par 3-9a & 3-9b, yellow lights are no longer acceptable for
lighting construction areas on movement areas and nonmovement areas.
(Became effective October 2004)
65

Red lights for marking construction areas are required because of a problem
with pilots confusing flashing yellow construction lights with in-pavement
Runway Guard Lights.
66

This photo shows an example of a flashing red light that is visible 360 degrees.
These type of red lights are recommended.
67

If you choose a flat light fixture rather than a 360 degree light, rotate one of the
lights 90 degrees as shown in this photo.
68

Barricades, warning lighting, and reflectors must be adequate to keep aircraft
out of construction areas during nighttime and low visibility conditions. Flashing
red lights must be maintained operable at night.
69

Four of these barricades have been knocked over by jet blast and should have
been better secured with sandbags.
70

Do not place equipment or materials in front of signs that are adjacent to active
areas of the movement area.
Pilot Visual Aids
71

Construction material and barricades are obstructing the runway holding
position sign.
Holding position sign is not
visible
72

This newly installed holding position sign is blocked by the old sign, which
should have been removed rather than covered.
Problem Corrected
73

Pilot Visual Aids
Holding position signs are required by Part 139.311(b)(ii) and are considered critical for
safety. If a holding position is to remain open during construction activity and the holding
position sign is removed, a temporary holding position sign must be provided and
illuminated at night. 74

If necessary, signs can be temporarily installed on 2x4s and connected to the electrical
system for nighttime operations.
Pilot Visual Aids
75

Signs for closed areas should be covered or removed so as not to provide
misleading or confusing information to pilots, especially at night.
Pilot Visual Aids
76

Pilot Visual Aids
Taxiway edge lights in closed areas should be covered if the lights cannot be
turned off at night. 77

If taxiway centerline lights lead into a closed area, the light fixtures should be
covered if the lights cannot be disconnected or turned off.
Pilot Visual Aids
78

Singapore Airlines flight SQ006 to Los Angeles, crashed on takeoff from Taipei's Chang
Kai Shek International Airport at 23:18 local time. The weather in the area was rapidly
deteriorating due to an approaching typhoon. At 140 knots, the 747 impacted concrete
jersey barricades and several pieces construction equipment, causing the aircraft to
break into 3 parts and igniting a large post-crash fire. There were 83 fatalities (24
Americans) out of 179 passengers and crew.
Singapore Airlines B-747-400 Construction Related Accident
79

The flight crew mistakenly attempted takeoff on Runway 5R instead of assigned Runway
5L. Runway 5R was closed for construction at the time of the accident, however, the
runway was not barricaded at the takeoff end because that portion of the runway was
being used as a taxi route. 80

Taxiway centerline lights leading to Runway 5R and poor visibility from the approaching
typhoon were contributing factors causing the accident.
81

Example of a Good Practice
Temporarily painting over or removing taxiway centerlines leading into closed
movement areas is a good practice. 82

This taxiway centerline could lead a pilot into a closed area, the centerline
should have been removed when the pavement was closed for an extended
period of time. Also, the barricades should have red lights are spaced far too
apart to provide safe delineation.
83

Here is the intersection after corrective action. However, the barricade lights
are still yellow and the large gaps still exist.
Centerline removed
Taxiway ending marker
installed
84

Marking Closed Runways
Yellow X’s at each runway end are used to mark temporarily closed runways. If
sand bags are used to weight down the yellow X, they should also be yellow.
85

This small closed runway X doesn’t even come close to meeting the FAA
standards of 60 feet in AC 150/5340-1J, Standards for Airport Markings, Figure
30, and could easily be missed by a pilot.
86

This white closed runway X does not meet the FAA standards of yellow in AC
150/5340-1J, Standards for Airport Markings, Par 41a. The white X blends in
with the designation marking and may not be seen by pilots.
87

Temporary X’s must be adequately secured. During and after high wind
conditions, check temporary X’s for displacement.
88

AC 150/5370-2E, Operational Safety On Airports During Construction, Par 3-5a(1)
Pavement markings for temporary closed portions of the runway should consist of yellow
chevrons to identify pavement areas that are unsuitable for takeoff/landing. If unable to
paint the markings on the pavement, construct them from any of the following materials:
double-layered painted snow fence, colored plastic, painted sheets of plywood, or similar
materials.
Marking Temporary Runway Thresholds
89

This type of construction fence material is not acceptable for use as temporary
chevrons. The open material does not adequately cover the runway markings
for this relocated threshold.
90

Here is a temporary relocated threshold marking using white plastic material.
However, white sandbags should have been used. The yellow and orange
sandbags in this situation could be distracting to pilots.
Marking Temporary Runway Thresholds
91

At this airport, construction limit signs are install at regular intervals along the
entire length of the runway at the 200 feet from runway centerline to provide a
reference point for construction personnel and airport operations personnel
responsible for monitoring construction.
Safety Areas
92

Here is an effective method of identifying construction limits and preventing
inadvertent access into the runway safety area by installing a construction
fence along the runway safety area.
Safety Areas
93

Here is another method of identifying construction limits by installing a marker
fence along the runway safety area to provide a reference point for construction
personnel and airport operations personnel responsible for monitoring
construction.
Safety Areas
94

In some situations, taxiways may need to be temporarily closed or restricted to
small aircraft only when adequate wingtip clearance is not available. Barricades
also do not meet requirements of the AC.
Taxiway Safety Areas
95

Construction activity and excavations may occur in taxiway safety areas where
air carriers operate, if necessary, provided that the excavations are
marked/lighted if needed, and a NOTAM is issued.
Safety Areas
96

This construction equipment appears to be parked within the runway safety
area, contrary to Part 139.309(b)(4) and AC 150/5370-2E, Operational Safety
on Airports During Construction, Par 2-6.
97

Mounds of rubble/fill material are located in the runway safety area within 200
feet of the runway centerline, contrary to Part 139.309(b)(1) and AC
150/5370-2E, Operational Safety on Airports During Construction, Par 3-2.
98

This runway at a GA airport was open throughout the winter with surface
variations in the safety area and fill material present on the edge of the runway
from a PAPI project that was interrupted for winter weather.
99

These large light can holes are located in the runway safety area and were not
covered up before opening the runway.
100

Piles of gravel or other stockpiled material cannot be located in runway safety
areas.
Stockpiled materials and equipment storage are not permitted within the RSA and OFZ
of an operational runway. The airport operator must ensure that stockpiled materials
and equipment adjacent to these areas are prominently marked and lighted during hours
of restricted visibility or darkness. This includes determining and verifying that materials
are stored at an approved location to prevent foreign object damage and attraction of
wildlife. (AC 150/5370-2E, Par 3-12)
101

Objects cannot be located in a safety area or object free areas (OFA). These
large cable reels are not located in the taxiway safety area, however, they are
located in the taxiway OFA and should have been removed after the
construction activity.
102

If a silt fence must be installed in a safety area, wooden stakes or PVC piping
must be used.
Safety Areas
103

Using steel fence posts to install silt fences in safety areas is contrary to Part
139.309(b)(4).
104

This portable lighting equipment was left in the runway safety area, contrary to
Part 139.309(b)(4) and AC 150/5370-2E, Operational Safety on Airports During
Construction, Par 2-6.
105

This pickup should not be parked in the runway safety area. Construction
vehicles, construction activity, equipment, construction material and potentially
hazardous surface variations in the runway safety area is only permitted up to
200 feet of the runway centerline if necessary for the construction project.
106

There was no need for this construction vehicle to be parked in the runway
safety area so instructions were issued to immediately move the vehicle out of
the runway safety area.
107

Construction equipment should not be parked adjacent to movement areas that
has the potential to be hit by a taxiing aircraft.
Safety Areas
Note: The pilot in this accident was
taxiing on a closed taxiway.
108

LAX – September 27, 1999
This green truck was hit by a taxiing B-747 at 4:11 am.
Note: The pilot in this accident was
taxiing on a closed taxiway.
109

Prior to hitting the green truck, the B-747 hit this red truck,
110

and this pickup.
111

112

Post Construction - Paved Areas
Paved areas must be free of Foreign Object Debris (FOD) and loose aggregate
before the pavement is opened for aircraft operations. 114

This shingle apparently fell off a truck after painting activity and could be
ingested into a jet engine, causing significant damage.
115

Post Construction - Paved Areas
There should not be any pavement lips along new pavement. Turf areas
should be close to level with the pavement to prevent turf damming and allow
for settling. 116

The pavement lip at this location exceeds 3 inches and is not in compliance
with FAA requirements.
117

Post Construction - Safety Areas
Safety areas should be graded and free of potentially hazardous surface
variations before opening the pavement for aircraft use. 118

This manhole installation in the taxiway safety area was supposed to have
been installed at grade level.
Safety areas in new construction areas should not have improperly installed
facilities.
119

This concrete base was supposed to have been installed at grade level and
provides a potentially hazardous surface variation in the runway safety area.
120

Rocks and fill material were left in the runway safety area after the construction
work was completed, providing potentially hazardous surface variations.
121

These old culverts are unauthorized objects left in the runway safety area after
the construction work was completed.
122

FAA Safety Requirements for Airfield Construction

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