ATC Readies Final Approach Runway Occupancy Signal (FAROS) For Evaluation at Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Airport

June 26, 2008 Eden Prairie, MN. Based on successful completion of nearly two years of operational evaluation at Long Beach Airport (LGB), the FAA has announced plans to integrate the Final Approach Runway Occupancy Signal (FAROS) with the Runway Status Lights System (RWSL) currently in operation at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW).

The FAROS concept was initially developed and fielded at LGB by ATC. FAROS is designed to prevent a class of runway incursions involving an aircraft on approach and a vehicle or aircraft on the surface. FAROS "flashes" the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) Lights, an existing system installed at many airports around the world, to warn pilots approaching the runway that the runway is occupied. Pilots observing the flashing signal are expected to contact the control tower to resolve the situation or perform a go-around if necessary to avoid a potential high-energy collision. The idea for FAROS arose from a 1991 accident at LAX which resulted in the death of 34 people.

At DFW, ATC is responsible for the development and installation of the FAROS hardware where it will be integrated with the MIT Lincoln Laboratory-developed RWSL system. The DFW FAROS system will employ a modified safety logic algorithm designed to accommodate DFW's high density traffic environment. Plans call for installation of hardware on six runways with operational evaluation to begin in early FY09.

FAROS:

Provides pilots a direct, immediate warning of a potentially dangerous situation
Requires no additional equipage in the cockpit
Reduces installation costs by utilizing existing equipment

The FAROS concept was introduced to ATC by Bruce Landsberg, Executive Director, AOPA Air Safety Foundation. ATC secured FAA funding to install the system at LGB, designed the system, specified and procured the hardware, developed the software, oversaw the installation, performed system testing and conducted flight tests prior to obtaining FAA permission to initiate operational evaluation. Since August 2006, ATCorp has been supporting operational evaluation of the system.

For more information about FAROS, see faros.faa.gov.

For additional information about ATC and its products and services, see www.atcorp.com.