The FAA said its notice sent last month to tower controllers to review the taxi into position and hold (TIPH) procedure is not intended to end the practice, as the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) claims. “Basically, we are seeing a small trend of runway incursions resulting from that procedure,” said an FAA spokesperson. “We wanted to raise awareness and see if it is still required. If it is, they can continue to use it.” Bob Lamond, NBAA director of air traffic services and infrastructure, said that if TIPH increases the efficiency of operations at an airport, then the tower manager simply has to certify there is an operational need for TIPH at that airport and nothing will change. According to NATCA, which is currently locked in contract talks with the FAA, the agency is unnecessarily forcing its tower personnel to scramble to meet a September 30 deadline. “Air traffic controllers are deeply concerned about both the adverse effect it will have on efficiency and the wasteful expenditure of resources by the FAA to force facilities into compliance or to seek waivers,” said NATCA.