"Golf-Alpha-Bravo-Charlie cleared to land runway 05, caution maintenance crew on taxiway alpha, 100 feet from runway 05 ".

A basic requirement for all pilots, air traffic controllers, flight service specialists, airport managers and airside vehicle operators is an ability to make decisions and exercise sound judgement.

Aircraft/vehicle conflict is a major concern to everyone at both controlled and uncontrolled airports. The increase in frequency and the potential for damaged equipment, serious injury, or loss of life is too great to ignore.

What can you do?

Pilots

• Report position and intentions on appropriate frequencies.
• Acknowledge or readback instructions using proper phraseology.
• Ensure you understand instructions don't assume.
• Read back all hold, or crossing instructions.
• Ensure flight path is, and will remain, clear before taking off or landing.
• If in doubt — hold your position or go around as applicable.
• Expect the unexpected.

Air Traffic Controllers, Flight Service Specialists

• Give clear and concise instructions/advisory to vehicle and aircraft.
• Use proper phraseology.
• Advise aircraft and vehicles early of any possible conflict.
• Remind pilot and vehicle operator often of potential conflict.
• Repeat information as often as necessary to ensure it is understood.
• Implement a system to remind yourself of the locations and intentions of all traffic.
• Remember — Safety takes priority over operational convenience.

Vehicle Operators

• Know aircraft control procedures and approved areas for vehicle movement.
• Ensure you have the authority to operate a vehicle on the airside of the airport.
• Ensure aircraft manoeuvering areas are free of potential conflict before entering.
• Keep a visual look out as well as monitoring the radio and communicate often with ATC/FSS.
• Read back all hold short instructions.
• If in doubt about an instruction or radio transmission — request — "Say again".
• Check an area prior to entering your vehicle to ensure a more complete, unobstructed view.
• Ensure your rotating lights and other safety equipment are functioning.
• Vacate the runway immediately if an aircraft is observed or reported in the circuit.
• Remember aircraft are not very manoeuverable and the pilot's visibility is limited as is the controller's and flight service specialist's.

Airport Managers

• Review and revise training plan for vehicle operators as required.
• Ensure all operators are properly trained and kept aware of changes to procedures.
• Check security gates often to ensure only authorized vehicles and personnel have access to airside.
• Check runway and taxiway signs to ensure adequacy and visibility.