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VERACITY ENGINEERING is providing Program Management and Pilot Education & Evaluation services to the FAA during the deployment and evaluation of Ground Marker - a research and development program aimed at reducing runway incursions and surface incidents by improving pilot situational awareness. The Ground Marker system was installed at Buchanan Field in Concord, California (CCR) in September 2003 for the purpose of conducting an Operational Evaluation that will last from October 2003 through June 2004. The Operational Evaluation will be undertaken to verify the Ground Marker system that's deployed to the field meets the needs of the users. Follow these links to learn more about the Ground Marker Program -- What is Ground Marker? What is the Ground Marker Animation? What are the Ground Marker locations at CCR? What do Pilots need to know? How do I TAKE THE PILOT SURVEY? | ONLINE PILOT SURVEY Who is evaluating the Ground Marker system? Why is Ground Marker being evaluated? Who do I contact for more information? WHAT IS GROUND MARKER? Ground Marker is a system designed to send a voice message to the cockpit of an airplane or the driver of a vehicle that indicates their position on the surface. This is done with a digital voice message transmitted over the 75MHz marker receiver that is standard equipment on all ILS equipped aircraft. The system consists of an antenna, a transmitter, a set of inductive loops and a laptop computer. The system is programmed with a digital voice message via a laptop computer. The system is activated when an aircraft or vehicle is detected by the inductive loops and transmits a message to the cockpit or vehicle. Samples of the two planned messages are "Taxiway X-Ray at Taxiway Yankee" and "Taxiway X-Ray at Two-Seven Left". The Ground Marker concept of operations is depicted in Figure 1. Figure 1 - Ground Marker Concept of Operations 
WHAT IS THE GROUND MARKER ANIMATION? (Back to Top) 
The animation is intended to show the concept of operations of the Ground Marker system. The animation shows an airplane taxiing over an oval which represents a set of inductive loops. As the plane rolls over loops and approaches an intersecting taxiway, you will hear a Ground Marker message in a female voice. The airplane will then continue to taxi, make a left turn and approach a second set of loops, which triggers another Ground Marker message that indicates the plane is approaching a runway. The plane stops at the hold short line to wait for direction from Air Traffic Control which you will hear in a male voice. Click here for Ground Marker animation WHAT ARE THE GROUND MARKER LOCATIONS AT CCR? (Back to Top)
Six Ground Marker nodes were installed at Contra Costa County Airport (CCR) Buchanan Field as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 - Ground Marker Locations at Buchanan Field 
WHAT DO PILOTS NEED TO KNOW? (Back to Top)
Pilots flying aircraft with marker beacon receivers are encouraged to participate in the Ground Marker operational evaluation. To participate, simply follow these two easy steps.
WHO IS EVALUATING THE GROUND MARKER SYSTEM? (Back to Top)
A team consisting of representatives from:
WHY IS GROUND MARKER BEING EVALUATED? (Back to Top)
In recent years, the number of runway incursions has increased significantly. As a result, the FAA has actively supported the implementation of several high priority initiatives aimed at reducing or eliminating accidents or incidents attributable to runway incursions. The FAA has developed goals and objectives to guide the overall agency strategy to reduce the severity and frequency of runway incursions. Table 1 highlights the mission and goals the FAA has developed. Table 1 - Overall Agency Goals
The FAA's Office of Runway Safety (ARI-1) requested the FAA's Surface Technology Assessment Product Team (AND-520) evaluate new technologies and standards that can be applied to increase surface safety. The Ground Marker system is being developed to address needs and requirements established in:
Furthermore, Ground Marker technology is consistent with these high-level FAA plans:
The Ground Marker concept also responds to recommendations contained in the DOT Office of the Inspector General Report #AV-2001-066 dated June 26, 2001 titled: "Despite Significant Management Focus, Further Actions are Needed to Reduce Runway Incursions." Furthermore, the Ground Marker program is consistent with their recent "Operational Errors and Runway Incursions" Audit dated April 3, 2003 (Report # AV-2003-040) that states the FAA needs to take additional actions to further reduce the number of incidents and safety risks that operational errors and runway incursions pose. WHO DO I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION? (Back to Top)
For more information about the Ground Marker system or the Operational Evaluation scheduled for October 2003 ~ June 2004 at Contra Costa County Airport (CCR), please contact:
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