Safety Net

Aerodrome safety for airside drivers

Driving a vehicle on an aerodrome can be hazardous. Serious incidents like runway incursions involving tugs, catering vans and other vehicles have occurred. These incidents can often be prevented when you, an airside driver, use the tips below and increase your situational awareness.
Tips to avoid an airside incident or runway incursion: r
obtain a clearance to enter a runway r
comply with Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions and clearances r
comply with published aerodrome procedures r
use standard phraseology r
accurately report your vehicles position to ATC r
be extra cautious r
in reduced visibility (e.g. night, smog, rain or storm) r
when using a runway where taxiways intersect with another runway r
look for possible landing aircraft in the area before entering or crossing a runway even if ATC has given you a clearance. How to improve airside driver safety When planning your aerodrome operation ALWAYS: r
have a current aerodrome chart or diagram available r
be aware of where you are and what (planes, vehicles etc.) is around your vehicle r
ask ATC for help immediately if unsure of your current position on a taxiway r
seek help from other ground personnel (e.g. aerodrome safety officer) immediately if unsure of your current position on an apron. Speaking to ATC Ensure you communicate clearly and concisely with ATC by ALWAYS: r
using standard phraseology r
stating your position when you first contact any tower or ground controller, regardless of whether you have stated this before to a different controller. ATC clearances and instructions When you receive an ATC clearance ALWAYS: r
write down the clearance or instruction, especially when its detailed and or complex r
read back all required clearances and instructions including your callsign

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contact ATC to clarify your situation if you are unsure of an issued clearance or instruction r
let ATC know if you are unable to comply with their instructions r
listen out for other vehicles or aircraft with a callsign that sounds like yours r
listen before responding to a clearance given that is meant for another vehicle or aircraft. Warning: An ATC instruction to operate on taxiways or other areas of the aerodrome is NOT a clearance to cross a runway holding position, to enter, or to operate on a runway unless you are specifically cleared to do so. (Note: A runway holding position is always set back from the sealed surface of a runway. Its never aligned with edge of the sealed surface). Maintaining your situational awareness To improve and maintain your situational awareness on the aerodrome ALWAYS: r
know what visual aids on the aerodrome mean like markings, signs and lights r
monitor the radio and use a current aerodrome chart or diagram to help you locate other vehicles and aircraft r
minimise heads down activities while driving r
use vehicle lights to show your location ensure the rotating beacon is on when driving on aprons, taxiways and runways. Tip: If you are unsure of your location on the aerodrome, make sure you are clear of any runway and STOP. Speak to ATC about your situation and ask for progressive clearances or instructions. To find out more about safe surface operations see our booklet online at http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/flying/ runwaysafety/docs/runwaysafety_arisidedrivers.pdf For a hard copy of the booklet or for more information contact: Fiona Lawton Safety Programs and Promotions Manager Phone: (07) 3866 3736 Email: safety.promotions@airservicesaustralia.com