CHARLOTTE
ATCT RUNWAY INCURSION INITIATIVE
Subject:
Enhancing
Safety and Preventing Runway Incursions at Charlotte
In
an effort to further reduce runway incursions (unauthorized
aircraft/vehicle/pedestrians on a runway), procedures for Air Traffic
Controllers are continually evaluated and changed accordingly. One
change occurred several years ago that included the requirement for
controllers to receive "readbacks" from pilots in certain
situations. The phrase “readback all hold instructions” was placed
on both ATIS’s. At times obtaining these readbacks can be very difficult
and make the controller's job more demanding, but it is critical for
controllers to know that the pilot received the correct clearance.
Pilots can help make communications flow more smoothly by confirming
certain important information. As always, advise the controller when you
have the appropriate ATIS code. Listening carefully
to the entire ATIS can save pilots and controllers from additional
workload. Also, always
confirm the runway that you were assigned, and readback the runway hold
short instructions you receive. This will save many questions and time
on frequency.
Additionally,
due to the layout of Runways and Taxiways, it is easy for the most
proficient pilot to become disoriented especially at night. Even locally
based pilots repositioning from one side of the field to the other may
find an entirely new taxi challenge awaiting them.
We
strongly encourage the following measures to avoid potential runway
incursions:
1)
plan your taxi movement as thoroughly as the
airborne portion of the flight;
2)
have an airport diagram available and ready to
use, review the airport layout ahead of time;
3)
be familiar with airport signage and markings
from the AIM and actively
look for runway hold lines and signs;
4)
do
not enter
a runway unless you are 100% certain you have been cleared to do so;
5)
if any doubt
exits as to where you are or what the tower expects you to do, do
not proceed. Ask the ground controller for clarification;
6)
request progressive taxi instructions; we will be
glad to assist you in your ground navigation.
In
the air, other challenges await us. As you may well know, Runway 5/23
crosses runway 18L/36R, creating a host of possible conflicts. Runway
5/23 is an Instrument Landing System (ILS) runway and is heavily used by
all the airlines and most jets. Runway 5/23 is also the only runway that can be used by large four engine propeller and
jet aircraft between the hours of 23:00 and 7:00.
Confusion
about tower frequencies can be a problem. Two tower frequencies are used
at Charlotte, 126.4 and 118.1. During periods of light traffic, we
operate all runways on one tower frequency, 118.1. If the tower
frequency in use is a mystery to you, the frequency for runway 18R/36L
is 126.4. The frequency for runway 18L/36R and runway 5/23 is 118.1.
Finally,
remember that you are pilot-in-command of and responsible for your
aircraft. If at any time you
are unsure of your instructions or location, or cannot comply with the
instructions received, request clarification. As pilots and controllers,
we can then work together to ensure the safe and efficient operation of
each aircraft.
If
you have any questions, please contact: Jim Koon or Jef Solomon at 704
359-1000.