What happened
While the specific details of the occurrence were not provided in the source text, the investigation focused on a safety incident involving runway crossings at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The event prompted a review of how aircraft and ground vehicles navigate runway exits, particularly regarding the standardization of technical facilities and procedures during low visibility conditions.
The investigation
The investigation examined the operational environment at Schiphol, specifically looking at the technical infrastructure of runway exits and the coordination between Air Traffic Control (ATC) and airport staff. The inquiry scrutinized the configuration of the Tower, the clarity of control panels for stopbars and traffic lights, and the communication protocols used during ground movements. The OVV also evaluated the workload of Tower Supervisors and the adequacy of equipment, such as ground radar and monitoring screens, for Assistant Controllers.
Findings
Several critical safety issues were identified during the investigation. A primary concern was the lack of uniformity in technical facilities for runway exits, specifically regarding exit 2 of runway 06/24, which complicates standard crossing procedures. The investigation found that the control panels for traffic lights and stopbars were not geographically integrated, leading to potential ambiguity for controllers. Additionally, the investigation highlighted risks associated with the current coordination between ATC and airport platform employees, as well as the need for improved logging capabilities on existing ground radar.
Safety action
To mitigate future risks, the following safety actions and recommendations have been proposed:
- Standardizing technical facilities for all runway crossings at Schiphol to align with ICAO Annex 14 standards.
- Restricting non-aircraft movements to and from the S-apron during low visibility weather.
- Implementing refresher training for ATC Tower staff and platform employees regarding radio communication and operational procedures.
- Ensuring Tower Supervisors are not burdened with additional duties that could distract from primary control tasks.
- Mandating the use of checklists when altering Tower configurations.
- Redesigning control panels for stopbars and traffic lights to ensure geographic integration and clarity.
- Enhancing ground radar with a logging device and providing multi-mode screens for Assistant Controllers.
- Implementing Team Resource Management (TRM) training for ATC personnel and re-evaluating communication protocols between ATC and airport operations.