Runway safety

At the airport, the area dedicated to the movement of aircraft (technically termed Movement area) comprises:

1. the Manoeuvring area defined as the section of an airport intended for take-off, landing, and the ground movement of aircraft, with the exception of aircraft aprons. The manoeuvring area consists of runways and taxiways;
2. apron means a defined area intended to accommodate aircraft for purposes of loading or unloading passengers, mail or cargo, fuelling, parking or maintenance;

This terminology distinguishes precisely the areas characterized by greater aircraft speed (runway and taxiway), from those used to park the aircraft thus characterized by a lower speed of the aircraft while it enters the area dedicated to parking.

Airports across the world are working to render runways ever more secure. For this reason, Runway Safety is often discussed.

Local Runway Safety Team

The Local Runway Safety Team Is an Advisory Committee concerned with the analysis and assessment of the Associazione Nazionale Assistenti e Controllori della Navigazione Aerea (ANACNA) – National Association of Flight Assistants and Air Traffic Controllers.

It is an Advisory Committee  of the operational safety of the runways; it encompasses ADR, the Italian air navigation service provider (ENAV), pilots representing the main Air Operators, and the National Firefighters Corps.

Runway Incursion

The Committee's objective is to reduce the phenomenon of "Runway Incursion/Excursion". Runway incursion means any occurrence at an aerodrome involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft vehicle or person on the protected area of a surface designated for the landing and take-off of aircraft.

During take-off and landing manoeuvres of an aircraft (technically called active runway) the runway must be clear of any obstacles. All the means, the aircraft, and the people must be allowed access to this area by the Control Tower. When this entry is not authorized or it is improperly authorized (in error and the runway is taken up wrongfully, this refers to a runway incursion.

The design of runways and taxiways, in line with current regulations, limits the possible occurrence of runway incursions.

ADR and the Local Runway Safety Team, through the design of infrastructures and the drafting of specific procedures (such as, for example, the procedure enabling driving in a manoeuvring area) work constantly to remove the risk of Runway Incursion at Fiumicino.

Runway Excursion

Runway excursion occurs when aircraft departs the runway in use during the take-off or landing run.

The areas surrounding the runways, in compliance with current regulations, are designed in such a way as to ensure safety, i.e. free from obstructions and featuring soil characteristics such as to avoid creating a disadvantage for the aircraft that leave the asphalted area in emergency conditions.

ADR and the Local Runway Safety Team, through the design of infrastructures and the drafting of specific procedures (such as, for example, management of emergencies) work constantly to remove the risk of damage to aircraft in case of Runway Excursion at Ciampino. 

ADR's activities to ensure the safety of the movement area

To ensure the proper operation of the airport system and compliance with the rules of conduct, Aeroporti di Roma has established the Operational Safety Board, dedicated to infrastructure control (runways, taxiways, and aprons) and ground floor assistance (follow-me / Marshalling etc.). Operational safety activities related to the movement and parking of aircraft at the airport are carried out according to strict quality standards and consist of:

• design and supply of services for the safety of operations pertinent to aircraft traffic;
• study of risk factors;
• support for rescue vehicles and airport operators in the rescue operations, in hazardous situations for aircraft;
• verification of the compliance with safety of the flight infrastructure, even in adverse weather conditions.

This also includes:

• continuos monitoring of infrastructures and the systems used in relation to the aircraft;
• compliance with aerodrome operations-related safety standards;
• systematic verification of the surface grip of the runway, particularly in the presence of any contaminants (water, snow, etc.);
• procedures to discourage the presence of and removal of wild fauna in the airport territory, with the assistance of suitable and advanced instrumentation;
• management and supervisor of construction sites in operational areas.    

The management policy adopted provides for a continuous revision and updating of processes, in order to ensure a steady improvement in safety procedures.

Contact:

Safety Management Ciampino

sms-cia@adr.it

Useful links:

*register on ENAV's website to access the link

Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) and Notice To Airmen (NOTAM)

ADR recalls the importance of continuously consulting the aeronautical information relating to Fiumicino airport, paying particular attention to NOTAM.

REFER TO AIP *

REFER TO NOTAM IN FORCE ON CIAMPINO AIRPORT*

CONSULT AIP SUPPLEMENTS*

GENERAL RULES, PROCEDURES AND AIRSPACE*

*register on ENAV's website to access the link

Reserved area:

Area reserved for flight crew