Regulations & Safety
Honeywell SURF-A Enhances Runway Safety with Real-Time Alerts
Honeywell’s SURF-A cockpit software uses GPS/ADS-B to prevent runway incidents, adopted by Southwest Airlines fleetwide. FAA certification pending for 2025 deployment.
Runway safety remains one of the most critical aspects of modern aviation. With aircraft operating in increasingly congested airspace and airports, the risks associated with runway incursions, excursions, and misidentifications have become a focal point for aviation authorities and airlines alike. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), runway incursions are among the top safety concerns globally, prompting the industry to adopt advanced technologies that enhance situational awareness and reduce human error.
Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, a long-standing leader in avionics innovation, has introduced Surface Alert (SURF-A), a next-generation cockpit alerting software designed to prevent ground-based incidents before they escalate. SURF-A leverages GPS, Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B), and real-time analytics to detect potential runway conflicts and alert pilots directly through visual and aural cues. This system represents a significant evolution in cockpit safety, building on Honeywell’s legacy systems like the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) and SmartRunway/SmartLanding solutions.
The significance of SURF-A extends beyond its technological sophistication. As airlines like Southwest Airlines commit to fleetwide adoption of Honeywell’s safety systems, the aviation industry is witnessing a paradigm shift toward proactive, data-driven safety protocols. These developments not only enhance pilot decision-making but also align with broader regulatory and operational goals aimed at achieving zero-incident runway operations.
At the heart of SURF-A is its ability to detect potential runway conflicts within a 30-second window. By continuously monitoring aircraft positions using ADS-B and GPS data, the system identifies when another aircraft is on or near the same runway and could pose a threat. This predictive capability allows pilots to take corrective action before a critical situation develops.
Unlike traditional systems that primarily alert air traffic control, SURF-A provides immediate cockpit alerts. These alerts are both visual and aural, ensuring that pilots are not only aware of the threat but can respond swiftly. This direct communication channel is crucial in situations where every second counts, such as during low-visibility conditions or high-traffic operations.
Honeywell has tested SURF-A extensively on its own Boeing 757 aircraft, demonstrating the system’s capability to recognize and alert pilots of potential incursions in real flight conditions. These trials have validated SURF-A’s effectiveness and paved the way for broader adoption once certification is secured, expected in 2025 pending FAA approval.
“Even one runway incursion, excursion or wrong-surface incident is one too many. SURF-A adds an ‘extra set of eyes’ in the cockpit to prevent runway accidents.”, Jim Currier, President, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies
SURF-A is designed to complement existing Honeywell systems, particularly EGPWS and TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System). As a software update, it can be integrated into aircraft already equipped with these systems, reducing the need for extensive hardware modifications. This makes it a cost-effective solution for both new aircraft and retrofits.
The software’s visual interface is streamlined to minimize pilot workload while maximizing clarity. Alerts are displayed in a manner consistent with other cockpit systems, ensuring that pilots can interpret and respond to them intuitively. This user-centered design supports rapid decision-making during critical flight phases such as taxiing, takeoff, and landing. Honeywell’s approach to layered safety, combining terrain awareness, traffic alerts, and now surface movement monitoring, creates a comprehensive safety net. This integration aligns with ICAO’s global runway safety initiatives and demonstrates how avionics can evolve to meet emerging operational challenges.
Southwest Airlines, the world’s largest operator of Boeing 737 aircraft, has announced a fleetwide installation of Honeywell’s SmartRunway and SmartLanding systems, which serve as the foundation for SURF-A. This move encompasses over 700 aircraft and underscores the airline’s commitment to operational safety.
According to Southwest’s Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson, “Safety is at the heart of everything we do. Honeywell’s software will provide our pilots with enhanced situational awareness to ensure the highest level of safety while operating on runways throughout the network.” This endorsement highlights the trust that major carriers place in Honeywell’s technology.
Globally, airlines are under increasing pressure to meet stricter safety standards while managing larger fleets and denser traffic. The adoption of SURF-A and similar systems represents a proactive approach to mitigating risks that have long plagued runway operations. As more airlines follow Southwest’s lead, the industry could see a significant drop in runway-related incidents.
The development and deployment of SURF-A align with international safety mandates and recommendations. Organizations like ICAO and the FAA have emphasized the importance of reducing runway incursions as part of their safety management frameworks. By providing pilots with real-time, actionable data, SURF-A supports these objectives and could become a standard feature in future regulatory guidelines.
Furthermore, the system’s reliance on ADS-B and GPS data reflects a broader industry trend toward performance-based navigation and surveillance. These technologies are foundational to the FAA’s NextGen and Europe’s SESAR initiatives, which aim to modernize air traffic management through digital innovation.
As certification progresses, SURF-A could be mandated for certain classes of commercial aircraft or high-traffic airports. This would mirror the evolution of EGPWS, which transitioned from optional to required equipment in many jurisdictions following its proven safety benefits.
SURF-A’s software-based architecture makes it inherently scalable. Airlines can deploy it across fleets without the logistical and financial burdens of hardware overhauls. This flexibility is particularly valuable for operators of mixed fleets or those operating in regions with varying infrastructure capabilities. Honeywell continues to invest in refining the system based on pilot feedback and real-world testing. Future iterations may incorporate machine learning algorithms to improve threat detection accuracy or integrate with airport surface surveillance systems for enhanced situational awareness.
Additionally, the technology could extend beyond commercial aviation. Business jets, cargo aircraft, and even military platforms could benefit from the added layer of safety provided by SURF-A, expanding its impact across the aviation ecosystem.
Honeywell’s SURF-A system represents a significant advancement in runway safety technology. By providing direct, real-time alerts to pilots, it addresses a critical gap in existing safety protocols and enhances situational awareness during the most vulnerable phases of flight. The system’s integration with existing avionics, combined with its software-based deployment model, positions it as a practical and scalable solution for airlines worldwide.
As aviation continues to grow in complexity and volume, technologies like SURF-A will play an essential role in maintaining safety standards. With regulatory support and industry adoption, the future of runway operations looks increasingly secure, driven by innovation, data, and a commitment to zero-incident aviation.
What is SURF-A? How does SURF-A differ from other runway safety systems? When will SURF-A be available? Can SURF-A be added to existing aircraft? Which airlines are adopting Honeywell’s runway safety technology?
Enhancing Runway Safety with Honeywell’s SURF-A Technology
The Mechanics Behind SURF-A
Real-Time Hazard Detection
Integration with Existing Systems
Proven Use Cases and Industry Adoption
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
Regulatory and Industry Alignment
Technological Evolution and Scalability
Conclusion
FAQ
SURF-A (Surface Alert) is a cockpit alerting software developed by Honeywell that provides real-time aural and visual alerts to pilots about potential runway conflicts.
Unlike systems that only alert air traffic control or provide visual cues, SURF-A sends direct alerts to pilots using both sound and visuals, allowing faster reaction times.
SURF-A is currently undergoing testing and is expected to be available for new aircraft and retrofits starting in 2025, pending FAA certification.
Yes, SURF-A will be available as a software update to existing Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning Systems (EGPWS) and TCAS-equipped aircraft.
Southwest Airlines has announced the fleetwide adoption of Honeywell’s SmartRunway and SmartLanding systems, which are compatible with SURF-A.
Sources
Photo Credit: Honeywell
Regulations & Safety
Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 Runway Excursion at Mogadishu Airport
A Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 skidded off the runway during emergency landing at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde Airport; all 55 aboard safe with minor injuries.
This article summarizes reporting by ABC News / Associated Press and Omar Faruk.
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, a passenger aircraft operated by Starsky Aviation suffered a significant runway excursion during an emergency landing at Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) in Mogadishu, Somalia. According to reporting by the Associated Press, the aircraft skidded off the runway and came to a rest on the sandy shoreline of the Indian Ocean.
Despite the severity of the crash landing, which resulted in the detachment of the aircraft’s right wing, authorities have confirmed that there were no fatalities among the passengers and crew.
The flight, identified as a domestic service operated by a Fokker 50 turboprop, departed Mogadishu in the early afternoon. Conflicting reports from local sources suggest the flight was bound for either Guriel or Galkayo. Approximately 15 minutes after departure, the flight crew declared an emergency due to a suspected technical malfunction, specifically citing engine failure, and requested an immediate return to Aden Adde International Airport.
According to verified details released by the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), the pilots attempted to land on Runway 05/23. However, upon touchdown, the aircraft failed to stop within the designated tarmac area.
SCAA Director General Ahmed Moalim Hassan provided a statement regarding the sequence of events:
“The pilot tried to land the aircraft back in Mogadishu, but after touchdown, he was unable to maintain control.”
, Ahmed Moalim Hassan, SCAA Director General (via AP/Local Media)
The aircraft subsequently breached the airport’s perimeter fence and slid onto the adjacent beach. Emergency services, including airport fire crews, responded immediately to evacuate the aircraft. While the Associated Press initially reported “up to 50” people on board, updated reports indicate a total manifest of 55 people, comprised of 50 passengers and 5 crew members. All were evacuated safely, with only minor injuries reported. The aircraft involved is a Fokker 50, a turboprop commonly used for regional flights in East Africa. The operator, Starsky Aviation (formerly known as Starsom Air), is a Mogadishu-based carrier founded in 2013. The airline utilizes a fleet primarily consisting of Fokker 50 and Embraer aircraft for domestic passenger and cargo logistics.
Images circulating from the scene depict the aircraft resting on the sand with substantial structural damage, including a severed right wing. Airport officials noted that preventing a post-impact fire was a primary concern given the fuel load and the crash site’s proximity to the water.
Aden Adde International Airport is geographically unique, with its primary runway running parallel to the Indian Ocean coastline. This layout leaves little margin for error during runway excursions. As noted in historical data regarding the airport, this is not an isolated event.
While the survival of all 55 occupants is a testament to the durability of the airframe and the quick response of rescue teams, this incident reinforces concerns regarding operations at Aden Adde International Airport. The recurrence of runway excursions ending on the beach suggests that environmental factors, such as coastal wind shear, combined with aging turboprop fleets, present persistent risks.
The Fokker 50 has long been a workhorse in Somali aviation, but the frequency of hull-loss incidents involving this type in the region may prompt increased regulatory scrutiny regarding maintenance standards and pilot training for emergency return scenarios.
Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 Veers Off Runway in Mogadishu; All 55 Aboard Safe
Incident Overview and Timeline
Aircraft and Airline Background
Context: A History of Shoreline Excursions
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: X
Regulations & Safety
NJASAP Supports H.R. 7148 Enhancing FAA Funding and Aviation Safety
NJASAP applauds H.R. 7148 for securing FAA funding, staffing increases, and infrastructure upgrades to strengthen U.S. aviation safety and stability.
This article is based on an official press release from the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP).
The NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP), the independent labor union representing more than 3,700 pilots who fly for NetJets Aviation, Inc., has issued a formal statement applauding the enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148). Signed into law by the President on February 3, 2026, the legislation secures full-year funding for the federal government, averting the operational risks associated with government shutdowns.
According to the union’s statement, the passage of H.R. 7148 represents a critical victory for the stability of the National Airspace System (NAS). NJASAP leadership highlighted that the bill not only ensures continuous operation of essential agencies but also directs significant resources toward modernizing avionics infrastructure and addressing long-standing staffing shortages at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
A primary focus of the NJASAP’s praise centers on the specific financial allocations designed to bolster the FAA’s operational capacity. The union noted that the legislation provides $13.71 billion for FAA operations, a figure intended to stabilize the agency’s day-to-day functions.
In its release, NJASAP emphasized the importance of the bill’s provisions for workforce expansion. The legislation funds the hiring of approximately 2,500 new air traffic controllers. This surge in staffing is aimed at mitigating the persistent shortages that have strained the air traffic control system, contributed to delays, and reduced safety margins across the network.
Additionally, the bill allocates resources for 54 additional aviation safety inspectors. NJASAP views these hires as essential for maintaining rigorous oversight within the industry.
Beyond operational staffing, the union highlighted the bill’s investment in physical and technological infrastructure. The Consolidated Appropriations Act allocates $4 billion to the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). According to the press release, these funds are designated for replacing aging radar systems and telecommunications infrastructure, as well as upgrading navigation and surveillance systems.
The union also drew attention to a $100 million allocation for the FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine. This funding is targeted at modernizing technology systems to reduce the backlog in pilot medical certifications, a bureaucratic bottleneck that has historically kept qualified pilots grounded for extended periods. On the policy front, NJASAP celebrated the inclusion of language explicitly prohibiting the privatization of the U.S. air traffic control system. The union has long opposed privatization efforts, arguing that the NAS must remain a public asset accountable to safety standards rather than profit motives.
Capt. Pedro Leroux, President of NJASAP, commented on the significance of the legislation in the official release:
“Congress has taken a decisive step to protect the safety and continuity of the National Airspace System by passing a full-year appropriation that prioritizes modernization, staffing and FAA readiness. As professional aviators who rely on these systems every day, we commend lawmakers for recognizing that airspace safety and stability are not optional, but are fundamental to the U.S. aviation industry.”
While the funding measures in H.R. 7148 benefit the entire aviation sector, they hold specific relevance for NetJets pilots. Unlike commercial airline pilots who primarily operate between major hubs with robust support infrastructure, fractional pilots frequently fly into a vast network of smaller, regional airports. The $4 billion investment in the Airport Improvement Program is therefore critical for maintaining safety standards at the diverse range of airfields utilized by business aviation.
Furthermore, the stability provided by a full-year appropriations bill is vital for long-term planning. Stop-gap funding measures often freeze training pipelines; by securing funding through the fiscal year, the FAA can proceed with the training of the 2,500 new controllers without interruption, a key factor in reducing system-wide congestion.
NJASAP Commends Congress on H.R. 7148 Passage, Citing Safety and Stability Wins
Strengthening FAA Operations and Staffing
Addressing the Controller Shortage
Infrastructure and Policy Protections
Aeromedical Reform and Privatization
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: The NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots
Regulations & Safety
Garmin GHA 15 Height Advisor Receives FAA Approval for Certified Aircraft
Garmin’s GHA 15 Height Advisor, a radar-based altitude device, gains FAA approval for over 500 certified aircraft models, enhancing general aviation safety.
This article is based on an official press release from Garmin.
Garmin has announced that its GHA 15 Height Advisor, a radar-based altitude monitoring device, has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval. Previously available only for the experimental market, this certification allows the installation of the device in over 500 models of Class I and Class II certified aircraft.
The approval marks a significant shift in the accessibility of radar altimetry for general aviation pilots. According to the company, the GHA 15 is available immediately at a price of $2,695. This pricing strategy positions the device as a cost-effective alternative to traditional radar altimeters, which have historically been priced significantly higher and reserved for business jets or commercial airliners.
The GHA 15 is designed to provide pilots with precise Height Above Ground Level (AGL) readings during the critical final phases of flight. While standard barometric altimeters rely on air pressure and can be subject to calibration errors or terrain variations, the GHA 15 uses radio frequency technology to measure the actual distance between the aircraft and the ground.
Garmin states that the device is capable of providing AGL data from 500 feet down to the surface. The system integrates with the Garmin GI 275 electronic flight instrument to display altitude data and generate audible callouts directly to the pilot’s headset. These callouts, such as “50 feet,” “20 feet,” and “10 feet”, are user-configurable and intended to assist pilots in judging flare height and landing timing.
“The GHA 15 provides a cost-effective solution that helps reduce pilot workload and provides confidence during the approach and landing phases of flight.”
, Garmin Press Release
The unit is a compact, all-in-one module that mounts to the underside of the aircraft fuselage. Weighing less than one pound (approximately 0.45 kg), the device is roughly the size of a deck of cards, minimizing the structural impact of installation. According to the technical details released by Garmin, the GHA 15 offers the following accuracy levels:
The FAA STC covers a broad range of single-engine and twin-engine piston aircraft (Class I and Class II). This includes popular general aviation airframes such as the Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, Beechcraft Bonanza, and Mooney M20 series. To function, the GHA 15 must be interfaced with a Garmin GI 275 electronic flight instrument. For experimental aircraft, the device remains compatible with the G3X Touch flight display.
The certification of the GHA 15 represents a notable development in the “democratization” of avionics safety features. Historically, radar altimeters (such as the Garmin GRA 55) have cost upwards of $7,000, placing them out of reach for the average private pilot. By offering a certified “Height Advisor” for under $3,000, Garmin is effectively bridging the gap between recreational flying and professional-grade situational awareness. We believe this technology will be particularly valuable in three specific scenarios:
It is important to note the distinction Garmin makes by labeling this product a “Height Advisor” rather than a TSO-certified radar altimeter. While it provides similar functionality, it is intended for advisory purposes and does not replace the higher-end equipment required for complex instrument approaches like CAT II or CAT III landings.
Sources: Garmin
Garmin GHA 15 Height Advisor Receives FAA Approval for Certified Aircraft
Bringing Radar Altimetry to General Aviation
Technical Specifications and Accuracy
Installation and Compatibility
AirPro News Analysis: The Democratization of Safety Tech
Sources
Photo Credit: Garmin
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