Date of Award
Fall 12-1-2018
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate of Education, Ed.D.
College
College of Education
Department
Education
First Advisor
James Therrell, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Genelle Morris, Ed.D.
Third Advisor
Michael Hixon, Ed.D.
Abstract
Runway incursions are a major threat to aviation safety and can cause major delays and collisions that have significant human and financial implications for airlines. This study investigated how training, education, and collaboration may be improved to reduce the occurrence of runway incursions at airports. Data collection involved interviews, a focus group, and document analysis to explore the participants’ perceptions. The interviews and focus group involved a purposive sample of 12 pilots, air traffic controllers, airport administrators, and ground personnel. The interviews and focus group transcripts were chunked, coded, and patterns sought to form five key themes addressing the research question: exercising key safety practices, effective communication, a greater focus on scenario-based training, need for greater standardization, and more collaboration and partnership among stakeholders. The findings have the potential to influence Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) decision-making through resource allocation for improving runway safety, as well as to inform the prevention of runway incursions through improvements to education, training, and collaboration.