Utilizing the Systematic Literature Review in Aviation: A Case Study for Runway Incursions

Abstract

This research presents the process for a systematic literature review, and demonstrates the application of this process using a case study that investigates the factors that contribute to runway incursions (RIs). Runway safety is a top priority in aviation (Federal Aviation Administration [FAA], 2012a). One factor that threatens runway safety is RIs. In the United States, an average of three RIs occurs daily. Although the reduction of RIs has been a topic of interest for many years, the number of RIs has been increasing since 2012. In this paper, a systematic literature review approach was used to synthesize the results of previous studies in a systematic way, identify contributing factors for RIs, and provide insight regarding the causes for RIs. One hundred and thirty-four articles were identified in the initial literature search from 22 databases, and 22 articles were analyzed after using filtering criteria. As a result of this analysis, six categories of contributing factors to RIs were identified: human factors, airport geometry, technical factors, airport characteristics, environmental factors, and organizational factors. Recommendations for reduction of RIs and suggestions for further studies were presented based on these factors.