General and Business Aviation Call to Action: Airport Familiarization

Reminder: Familiarization with your Destination Airport is Important

 

The FAA and the aviation community are committed to pursuing a goal of zero serious close calls and improving situational awareness in the airport surface environment. Be sure to utilize all the tools available and get acquainted with your destination airport before you takeoff.

 

1. Arrival Alert Notices

To manage wrong surface events where an aircraft lines up to or lands on the incorrect runway, taxiway, or airport, the FAA released Arrival Alert Notices (AAN) at airports with a history of misalignment risk. AANs are graphics visually depicting the approach to a particular airport and language describing the risk of misalignment. You can view the complete list of AANs at www.faa.gov/aan.

2. From the Flight Deck

The FAA’s From the Flight Deck video series (https://bit.ly/2Mj0Cme) provides pilots with actual runway approach and airport taxiway footage captured with aircraft-mounted cameras, combined with diagrams and visual graphics to clearly identify hot spots and other safety-sensitive items. The videos also provide advice for pilots on how to mitigate the risk of runway incursions and wrong surface events.

To supplement the videos, the FAA also publishes additional “Pilot Handbook” content. This includes details such as airport-specific cautions, information local controllers want pilots to know, airport communications, airspace details, and other preflight planning resources. To learn more visit www.faa.gov/flight_deck.

3. Aeronautical Charts

Aeronautical charts are the road map for a pilot flying under VFR. The charts provide information that allows pilots to track their position and provides available information that enhances safety. Always review your destination’s Chart Supplement to become aware of any special aviation activities, traffic patterns, or obstructions. Prepare for your next flight by checking the charts at www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/digital_products/. 

 

In early March 2025, the FAA held an Aviation Safety Call to Action (www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-takes-immediate-safety-steps-following-general-and-business-aviation-call-action) to identify concrete steps to address recent safety incidents and make general and business aviation safer. As part of our commitment to aviation safety, we are reminding general and business aviation pilots about the tools and resources available to them during their pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight activities. Learn more about the GA Call to Action at  www.faa.gov/GA-action.

 

 

Special Programs Section (AFS-830)

SafetyBriefing@faa.gov

(202) 267-1100