ON THE MARK

Abstract

The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC), which operates the T.F. Green Airport (PVD), was once a top offender for aircraft or ground vehicles coming too close to each other. In an effort to reduce this incursion rate, the RIAC agreed to be the site of the PVD Enhanced Surface Marking Project of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA had been working since 2000 to identify possible solutions to the growing number of reported runway incursions. Early research focused on the yellow hold-short lines that are painted across every taxiway where it meets a runway. Human factors workshops were convened to pick the most effective hold-line solutions, while simulations and real-world tests at PVD were used to evaluate the new and improved markings in the field. The chosen enhancements include hold position lines that extend onto taxiway shoulders beyond edge lines, hold-position signs painted on one or both sides of taxiway centerlines and enhanced centerlines. Results of the site test indicate that the enhanced markings increased the location where pilots first see the hold line by 50 to 100 ft and eye tracking confirmed that the enhanced markings were not distracting. The enhancements also were highly rated by pilots. Based on the results of this beta test, the FAA is planning to release a draft update to the Advisory Circular on Standards for Airport Markings.