According to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt, the number of serious runway incursions at U.S. airports dropped by half from a year ago. In Fiscal Year 2009, there were 12 serious runway incursions; in FY 2010, which ended September 30, only six were logged, three of which involved airliners. This is the second consecutive year that the number of serious incursions has fallen by half, the FAA said. “We continue to make terrific progress in the area of runway safety and the credit should go to the entire aviation community,” LaHood said. “I’m thrilled that we’ve further reduced serious incursions, and I look forward to additional improvements in the years ahead.” Babbitt said the goal is “zero runway incursions,” while adding, “I’m confident that the right combination of education and technology will help us get there.” The joint FAA/DOT announcement reflects a significant improvement in runway safety over the last decade. Just 10 years ago there were 67 serious runway incursions. Since then, the FAA launched an effort to improve runway safety, including installation of new technology at airports, expanded requirements for improved signage and markings at airports and improved pilot training on runway conflicts, in addition to outreach and training for general aviation pilots.