The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a search for a new, cost-effective runway safety lighting system that could be implemented across airports nationwide. The current system, which is installed in the pavement of runways and taxiways at 20 airports, alerts pilots and vehicle operators when it is unsafe to enter, cross, or take off from a runway. However, its installation is costly and requires runway closures. The FAA is seeking innovative and commercially available solutions that can be operational within the next two to three years. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized the importance of providing pilots and air traffic controllers with the necessary tools to ensure safe and efficient aircraft movement. The new system aims to reduce runway incidents and enhance situational awareness, which is crucial for maintaining the safety of the National Airspace System. In August, the FAA also issued a request for solutions to find a primary integrator for developing a new air traffic control system.
What alternatives is the FAA considering for runway safety lighting?
