Runway incursions.

More than 40 aviation leaders from airlines airports air traffic control and pilot unions, aerospace manufacturers, and the FAA have agreed to quickly implement a five point short-term plan to improve safety at US airports. Continuing close calls at major airports show that action must be taken to reduce the risk of runway incursions and wrong runway departures. FAA chief Marion Blakey asked the meeting participants to consider solutions in Four areas: cockpit procedures, airport signage and markings, air traffic procedures and technology. Led by Bobby Sturgell, Deputy Administrator and Acting Chief Operating Officer for the Air Traffic Organization, the aviation community agreed to a five point short-term plan: 1) Within 60 days teams of FAA, airport operators, and airlines will begin safety reviews at the airports where wrong runway departures and runway incursions are the greatest concern. 2) Within 60 days, disseminate information and training across the entire aviation industry. 3) Within 60 days, accelerate the deployment of improved airport signage and markings at the top 75 airports, well ahead of the June 2008 mandated deadline. 4) Within 60 days, review cockpit procedures and air traffic control (ATC) clearance procedures. 5) Implement a voluntary self-reporting system for all air traffic organization safely personnel, such as air traffic controllers and technicians. So far in 2007, there have been 21 serious runway incursions (A&B events), eight of which involved commercial air carriers.