What constitutes a runway incursion?

A runway incursion is defined as any incident that occurs in the runway environment involving aircraft, vehicles, or objects that creates a collision hazard. This definition encompasses a wide range of situations, such as unauthorized entries of vehicles onto the runway, an aircraft crossing a runway without clearance, or any other conditions where the safety of flight operations is compromised.

This classification is crucial for maintaining safety in aviation as runway incursions can lead to severe accidents and pose significant risks during takeoff and landing phases. Understanding this definition helps pilots and air traffic controllers recognize what actions or incidents may lead to hazardous situations on or near runways, thereby fostering better situational awareness and safety practices.

Other options do not fit within the definition of a runway incursion. For example, although a collision between two aircraft during landing represents a safety issue, it does not specifically involve the broader definition concerning vehicles and objects within the runway environment. Delayed takeoff due to weather conditions and failure to maintain proper altitude during an approach describe operational issues but are not classified as runway incursions.