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Florida airports high on runway danger list

Florida airports high on runway danger list

Three Florida airports landed in the top 15 on a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration survey of runway safety incidents released Monday.

   Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport ranked seventh for runway incidents, which could range from a truck driving onto an active runway to a near miss between aircraft.

   Fort Lauderdale was singled out by the FAA for one of the most potentially dangerous incidents: a July 11 near miss when a Delta Air Lines Boeing 757 touched down then had to take off again to avoid colliding with a United Airlines Airbus A320 that was taxiing to a runway and had missed a turn.

   Miami International Airport was ranked 12 highest and Orlando International Airport was 15th.

   Regional travelers making connections in Atlanta should take note that Hartsfield International ranked No. 1 on the incident list, followed by Atlanta Dekalb Peachtree Airport.

   The FAA said airlines, airports, air traffic controllers and others with a role in airport safety have joined together in a plan to improve safety conditions. Recommendations include better airport markings, signs, and lighting, as well as improved safety training for everyone from pilots and air traffic controllers to grounds crews.