The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is rolling out new technology at select airports nationwide, including Tampa International Airport (TPA), to minimize runway close calls.

TPA is among approximately 18 airports selected for this initiative, with the system becoming operational there just a few weeks ago.

The technology, part of the Surface Awareness Initiative, involves sensors placed across the airport grounds that feed real-time data to screens in air traffic control towers. This setup displays aircraft and ground vehicles as icons on a digital map of the airport, highlighting runways, taxiways, and other zones. This gives controllers immediate visibility of ground traffic to alert pilots of potential risks.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to enhance safety for air traffic controllers through better situational awareness tools, making it easier to monitor the runway visually,” said Craig Lowenstein, the FAA’s Surface Awareness Initiative Project Lead.

Lowenstein explained that the technology serves as an additional aid for controllers, particularly useful during poor visibility or when obstructions are present.

The decision to develop this technology followed a spike in serious runway incidents at the start of 2023, which prompted the FAA to organize a safety summit. “After several significant surface incidents, including one in Austin, we held a safety summit early in 2023. This led us to explore what technology could improve our scanning capabilities and situational awareness,” Lowenstein noted.

The FAA evaluated various criteria like traffic volume, frequency of runway close calls, and weather conditions to choose which airports would receive the technology first. TPA was selected primarily due to its high traffic volume.

The initial deployment occurred at four airports in June, with TPA part of the next wave, bringing the total to 18.

“The system is user-friendly, allowing for quick deployment and tackling issues that capture national concern,” Lowenstein added.

He also mentioned the enthusiasm among technology and air traffic sectors for this solution, which directly addresses an existing need.

The technology is set to expand to airports in Palm Beach, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, and Daytona Beach soon.

The FAA reports that serious runway incursions have decreased by 72% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Lowenstein shared success stories where the system has already prevented potential mishaps by alerting controllers to unauthorized movements or construction zones.

By early 2025, the FAA plans to have the Surface Awareness Initiative systems installed at 18 airports across the country.

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(Image credit: HNTB)