North Runways Okay at LAX

Despite Federal Aviation Administration calls to further separate the two north runways at Los Angeles International as a way to reduce runway incursions, a report released last week by experts working with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration says such a large construction project is not necessary, because "the risk is so low."

The report bolsters city officials and local residents who oppose the FAA proposal because of cost and because it might require a neighborhood reconfiguration. In previous years, LAX has had more runway incursions than any other U.S. airport.

LAX further separated its two southern runways in 2007 to address the problem. The number of incursions dropped to eight in 2009 from 21 in 2007.

"Conclusions that the north airfield is safe enough now are not an argument against doing everything possible to make it even safer," the FAA says.

LAX and the FAA also agreed last week to install a permanent runway safety light system, following a prototype that was placed last year to prevent runway incursions. The radar-controlled system warns pilots if it is unsafe to cross or enter a runway. The FAA plans to finish installation by 2012.

(Roger Yu - USA Today / Today in the Sky)