What does the term 'runway incursions' refer to?

The term 'runway incursions' specifically refers to situations in which an unauthorized person, vehicle, or aircraft is on a runway. This is a significant safety concern in aviation as it can lead to potentially dangerous situations, including collisions between aircraft or between an aircraft and a vehicle or person. The definition encompasses any instance where an entity enters the runway area without clearance, which can compromise the safety protocols that are in place for air traffic operations.

In contrast, authorized touch-and-go maneuvers are those that have been cleared by air traffic control and are conducted safely by aircraft. Planned emergency landings on a runway are controlled scenarios where a pilot makes the decision to land due to safety issues, and scheduled inspections involve routine checks and maintenance on runway surfaces to ensure they are safe for use. These activities are part of normal airport and flight operations and do not pose the risks associated with unauthorized incursions.