What you need to know about the newest FAA safety alert

While I’m still trying to wrap my head around how anyone would want to watch a movie like Final Destination before, during, or after flying, I’m also concerned for anyone reading this news on a plane right now. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently issued a safety alert to airlines, pilots, and others, urging continued vigilance and risk mitigation in the wake of a series of high-profile near collisions. This is the kind of warning I could do without, but here we are. 

As of 2022, there were a total of 1,732 runway incursions in the US, and there have been another 669 so far this year, out of an average of 16 million flights handled by the agency per year. 

Although the FAA notes that overall incidents and occurrences haven’t increased, the severity of recent events is concerning, with six serious runway incursions this year. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating close calls, such as a near collision in Austin between FedEx and Southwest Airlines planes and a runway incursion at JFK involving an American Airlines plane.

While aviation is generally very safe, the recent series of near collisions has prompted the FAA to take action. Last week, the agency hosted a safety summit to discuss the uptick in near accidents. The summit addressed things like overstressed crews and the need for updated air traffic control technology, including surface surveillance equipment at airports.

Before you go canceling your upcoming flight, know that these recent blunders have put a spotlight on the aviation industry’s safety record that won’t go unnoticed. Tightened-up protocols are sure to commence, with the implementation of safety management systems that detect hazards; measures including adhering to checklists, reviewing safety information, and ensuring the sterile flight deck rule is followed; and more. 

“The fact that these events are so high profile and garnered so much attention means that eyes are really on it and that exposure is a good thing,” said Anthony Brickhouse, an air safety investigator and associate professor at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.