Red stop bar is one row of flush-mounted unidirectional red
lights installed across a taxiway with a 3m spacing to designate a runway
–holding position or intersection/taxiway holding position.
To prevent runway incursions, crew need to be trained and
instilled in adopting a disciplined approach in not crossing the red stop bar
even if ATC clearance is accorded.
Even in some cases where conditional taxi clearances are
given by ATC such as “cleared to lineup after the landing aircraft”, the taxi
shall be commenced only if the red stop bar light is off and the green centre
lights are switched on.
This is akin the red signal of the traffic light where the
traffic comes to a standstill. This holds good for operations in any part of
the world.
Good habit forming and disciplined procedural approach is the key to enhancing safety.
What is needed is a clear stop bar policy from each significant organisation: aircraft operators, air navigation service providers and aerodrome operators. These policies may be enforced by the local regulator. The maxim should be :
ReplyDelete“Never cross (instruct others to cross) a red stop bar”
• A clear stop bar operating procedure defined by the service provider;
• Contingency procedures for when the stop bar is unserviceable, to avoid the crossing of a red stop bar;
• A clear strategy for the planning and implementation of maintenance or other works on the manoeuvring area;
• Ergonomic design of the human machine interface of the air traffic control lighting panel and stop bar switches;
• Independence of the stop bars from other air ground lighting;