Understanding how Collaborative Communication and Competence-Based Educational Training Influence Runway Incursions

Abstract

The surge in air traffic caused by an increase in the number of people using the airports and cargo freights necessitates safety measures to reduce incidents and accidents with negative effects such as loss of lives, property damage, and economic implications. Runway incursions are among the incidents that negatively impact aviation safety. Several measures have been implemented to curb the runway incursions which have resulted in budget overruns. Therefore, the aim of the study was to understand how collaborative communication and competence-based educational training influence runway incursions. The research questions that guided the study are: (1) How does collaborative communication among aviation personnel influence mitigating runway incursion events? and (2) How does competence-based educational training influence safety by reducing runway incursions? Data were collected using interviews and focus groups from pilots, certified flight instructors, professors, and ground personnel. The thematic analysis performed resulted in identifying three themes: (a) Sharing safety strategies, (b) promotes coordinated ground operations, and (c) increases situational awareness. Collaborative communication among aviation personnel influence mitigating runway incursion events by supporting sharing safety strategies and promoting coordinated ground operations. Competence-based educational training promotes aviation personnels’ situational awareness, which influences runway incursions. Accordingly, collaborative communication and competence-based educational training are essential in managing runway incursions.