For example, at FL350, the Fairchild 428Jet cruises at Mach 0.72 while a Boeing 747-400 cruises at Mach 0.85. Airports and runways Much has been said about the inconvenience to the traveling public due to delays, but the degradation of safety due to increased congestion at airports and along airways is a more serious issue. Among other problems, LAX traffic is so busy during peak travel times that ground controllers have to speak very rapidly in order to communicate with all aircraft on their frequency. Of course this raises the stress level of the controllers, but it also makes it very difficult for pilots to understand instructions, especially those for whom English is not their first language. As a consequence, many misunderstandings occur and safety infractions ensue.
Every runway incursion has the potential of becoming a major accident.
Airports already operating at capacity are utilizing controversial procedures in an effort to maximize airport usage. Many airline pilots feel that this procedure is inherently dangerous, since the landing aircraft may either travel farther than the runway intersection during its landing roll or have to go-around due to an operational problem. Pilots of both aircraft may also misinterpret instructions. The most obvious cure is to build more airports. While this solution would also meet with public resistance from local residents surrounding such airports, it is perhaps the most expedient and practical solution to airport congestion at the moment.