Several recent near-collisions of aircraft operating in the airport environment prompted the FAA to issue Safety Alerts for Operators (SAFO) 23002. According to the bulletin, several highly visible and notable incidents demonstrate the need for “continued vigilance and attention to mitigation of safety risks.”
“While the overall numbers do not reflect an increase in incidents and occurrences, the potential severity of these events is concerning,” says the SAFO. “Six serious runway incursions have occurred since January, including an incident at John F. Kennedy International Airport…involving a taxiing aircraft narrowly avoiding a departing aircraft, and a landing aircraft coming within 100 feet of a departing aircraft at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.”
The SAFO does not specifically mention the February 28 close call at Boston Logan International Airport when an airliner on approach had to make a sudden go-around while a Learjet 60 was taking off allegedly without clearance.
Last month, the FAA acting administrator issued a “call to action” comprised of a series of events and initiatives to ensure focus and attention on risks in aviation. Senior leaders from the FAA, other agencies, and commercial and general aviation operators, attended a Safety Summit on March 15. Attendees discussed these incidents, as well as ways to enhance aviation safety. This SAFO is one result of the discussions and includes a list of nine recommended actions.