Monthly Archives: June 2009

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) showed off its new runway safety system Thursday. Like larger airports, LAX has had many close calls over the years with its taxiways and runways. The new safety system cost a $7 million dollars.

The new safety system uses radar and red lights on pavement of taxi ways and a runway so pilots know if it is safe to take off, or to cross a runway. If ground radar notices a possible hazard the red lights began to blink to warn the pilots. Once the red light begins to blink a pilot must obtain clearance from air traffic control before they may continue.

The lights have been running since April. LAX had had the most runway violations in the nation for eight years. The lights were first tested at San Diego and Dallas-Fort Worth airports before being installed at LAX. At Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the numbers of close calls from before and after the installation of lights dropped significantly.

“This system has proved that it is highly effective in preventing potentially dangerous runway incidents from occurring,” Wes Timmons, the FAA’s director of runway safety, said.

The FAA plans to continue adding these safety systems to other major airports.

Kudos to the AP for breaking the news.