It may seem trifling and only of concern to pilots, but a "hot spot" at Friedman Memorial Airport discovered and fixed by a Federal Aviation Administration Runway Safety Action Team had much to do with the safety of passengers, too.
As described by Friedman Manager Rick Baird after a two-day Runway Safety Action Team conference, the "hot spot" is a "very busy" ramp area at the south end of the airport where pilots of transient private and corporate aircraft on one side of a boundary line are required to contact the control tower, but not on the other side.
The solution: The FAA suggested that a page be inserted in pilot maps of Friedman Memorial Airport pointing out the area and the responsibility for making radio contact with the airport control tower.
Runway Safety Action Teams are active throughout the United States. Their objective, Baird explained, is to end incursions of aircraft onto active runways without control-tower clearance. Baird said Friedman has had one reportable incursion since 2006.
Baird said the five Runway Safety Action Team members almost outnumbered the small turnout by pilots during its annual two-day visit on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The FAA group, Baird said, found some operational "best practices" at Friedman that deserved compliments. He said the team singled out Friedman's innovative decision to add the lettering, "Don't Cross," on a taxiway as an added safety precaution to pilots in taxiing on the field, plus Friedman's decision to shut down the airport during snowplowing. Some airports continue to operate, despite active plowing.
Baird said Friedman was ahead of a Runway Safety Action Team recommendation for more signs at runway-taxiway intersections. The signs, Baird said, had already been ordered and are to be installed this week.
