Honeywell Aerospace engineers are in the final stages of testing a revolutionary cockpit alert system, SURF-A, designed to prevent runway collisions by issuing two aural warnings to pilots 30 and 15 seconds before a potential collision. The system utilizes ADS-B technology to track unauthorized aircraft, providing pilots with precious time to avoid accidents. Honeywell aims to have the system certified by late 2024, with the expectation of introducing it to commercial flights by early 2025.
During a test flight, the SURF-A system was demonstrated during a flight from Kansas City to Topeka. A Gulfstream aircraft was parked at the end of the runway, triggering the alert. Pilots executed a go-around maneuver, showcasing the system’s effectiveness. The development of SURF-A is a direct response to the increasing frequency of runway incursions, as highlighted by the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) recent report of over 1,600 such incidents in 2024 and more than 650 in 2025.
The system’s alerts, which include an automated voice saying ‘traffic on runway,’ are intended to provide critical safety margins. Doug Rybczynski, a test pilot for Honeywell, emphasized that the 15 to 30-second window is significant given the high speeds of aircraft. The FAA has also acknowledged the need for improved infrastructure, such as edge lights, pavement markers, and signage, to reduce runway incursions. Despite these efforts, Feyereisen, a Honeywell technical fellow, stressed that pilots remain the last line of defense in safety.
Honeywell is currently pitching the SURF-A prototype to major airlines and hopes to complete its certification by September 2025. The system could be integrated into commercial flights as early as 2026, offering a substantial boost to aviation safety. As the aviation industry continues to prioritize safety innovation, the SURF-A system represents a significant step forward in preventing runway collisions and ensuring the safety of both passengers and crew.