System Warns Pilots Directly of Potential Incursions

Honeywell hopes to certify a new system this month that will loop in airline pilots to help prevent runway incursions. “SURF-A will be available as a software update to enhanced ground proximity warning systems (EGPWS) and traffic alert and collision avoidance systems (TCAS),” Honeywell says in promotional material. “SURF-A is expected to be available for new aircraft and retrofit in 2025, pending FAA certification.” The system uses GPS and ADS-B data to detect potential ground conflicts and issue aural and visual warnings to the crews of aircraft that are within 30 seconds of trading paint.

Honeywell says the key difference with its system is that pilots are included in the warning. “SURF-A provides timely alerts directly in the cockpit—both visual and audible—ensuring pilots know potential hazards before they become critical,” Honeywell says. “Most other solutions alert the control tower but do not alert pilots directly or only provide visual alerts, which can delay response time.” Honeywell has been testing the system on its 757 test bed aircraft. It’s a software solution designed to integrate into existing flight deck displays.