Runway Incursion
Any occurrence on an aerodrome involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or person on the protected surface of a runway in use.
Full Definition
A runway incursion is formally defined by ICAO as any occurrence at an aerodrome involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or person on the protected area of a surface designated for the landing and take-off of aircraft. Runway incursions are classified into four categories (A–D) based on severity, with Category A representing a serious collision risk. They are among the highest-priority safety concerns in aviation. Editors must distinguish between a runway incursion (unauthorised presence) and a runway excursion (an aircraft leaving the runway during landing or take-off), as these are fundamentally different events with different causal factors.
Usage
Usage note: Do not confuse 'runway incursion' (something entering the runway without authorisation) with 'runway excursion' (an aircraft departing the runway surface). Both may appear in the same safety report and must be accurately labelled.
In Context
- "The vehicle entered the runway without clearance, resulting in a Category C runway incursion." — Mandatory Occurrence Report
- "Runway incursion prevention is addressed in Section 4 of the Aerodrome Safety Management Plan." — Aerodrome Safety Management Manual