Dallas Love Field among first slated to receive new technology aimed at reducing close calls

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has revealed that Dallas Love Field will be among the initial airports nationwide to receive advanced technology designed to mitigate close calls between aircraft during takeoff and landing procedures.

This initiative comes in response to a pressing need for enhanced safety measures within the aviation industry, particularly following a recent incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport involving air traffic controllers instructing pilots to halt their movements on the runway.

Despite no injuries or significant disruptions to airport operations, the FAA has initiated an investigation into the incident.

Dan Stratman, a retired airline pilot and author, emphasized the increasing frequency of such near misses, attributing them in part to staffing shortages and subsequent lack of experience across the industry, exacerbated by retirements and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, an independent safety review prompted the FAA to implement various initiatives aimed at addressing safety concerns and fortifying safety margins. As part of these efforts, new airfield surveillance systems will be deployed at select airports, including Dallas Love Field, Austin, Indianapolis, and Nashville.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker expressed confidence in the effectiveness of this technology, which provides controllers with real-time insights into aircraft and vehicle movements on the airfield, regardless of weather conditions.

Stratman likened the new surveillance system to an additional layer of safety, capable of issuing alerts in the event of potential conflicts.

While FAA data indicates several runway incursions at Love Field and DFW Airport last year, none were deemed serious. Nevertheless, the introduction of the new technology aims to further bolster safety protocols and minimize risks.

In addition to technological enhancements, the FAA is committed to bolstering air traffic control hiring and refining training programs for new graduates as part of a broader Safety Call to Action initiative launched last year.

The implementation of the new technology at Dallas Love Field is scheduled for July, with plans for deployment at additional airports nationwide by the end of 2025.