The FAA released an updated advisory circular AC 91-79A last week to help pilots and aircraft operators more easily identify, understand and mitigate the risks of runway overruns. The AC was also developed to assist operators in creating their own standard operating procedures (SOPs) to help reduce those risks.
Runway overruns account for approximately 10 incident or accidents annually, many resulting in fatalities, according to the agency.
Another reason for the update, according to the NTSB, is to give more comprehensive guidance on the risks associated with a tailwind approach and landing, particularly on wet or contaminated runways.
The AC focuses on scenario-based training and testing of pilots and flight crews to help prevent runway overruns. The FAA warned, however, that to increase a pilot’s recognition of the higher risk involved in the landing, targeted training and checking during initial pilot certification and recurrent training must be practical, and not merely an academic exercise.
Both organizations remind pilots and operators that they are responsible for following company SOPs and understanding their aircraft’s limitations.