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    On February 12th 2008, Congress assembled at a subcommittee hearing on improving runway safety. The purpose of the hearing was to refocus the effort to improve runway safety in an attempt to further reduce runway incursions around the nation. In his opening statement, Congressman Jerry F. Costello, Chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee, stated "safety must not be compromised in an effort to save money or be caused by a lack of resources or attention."

    Chairman Costello's statement is correct. He's lighting a fire under the FAA to become more proactive in regards to runway safety. If the FAA must become more proactive, so must every airport under Part 139.

    Hank Krakowski, COO for the FAA ATO, stated "better markings" was indicated as a short term goal of the FAA to reduce runway incursions.

    Dr. Gerald Dillingham, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, Government Accountability Office, noted "training [and] improving airport signage and markings" to be target areas for aviation to improve upon.

    Good intentions, but without proper execution the aviation industry may fall short of its goals.

    Airfield markings are an economic enhancement to runway safety. Procuring the most expensive materials and the most expensive equipment to apply them is not necessarily the answer. Training is the solution. The FAA has detailed what markings to paint and where to apply them, but not how to do it. Be proactive - make sure your staff (applicators and inspectors) is working smarter - not harder.

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