FAA investigates close calls at Orlando Sanford International Airport

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The Federal Aviation Authority said  close calls between planes are happening too often at the Orlando Sanford International Airport.

Channel 9's Field Sutton learned the close calls have happened 151 times since 2001.

Eyewitness News found out federal regulators are targeting the airport for safety improvements.

Fifteen years worth of data says flying out of Orlando-Sanford International is safe, but the FAA said it could be safer.

Two runway intersections showed at least three near misses in a single year. That is enough to land the airport on a list of major airports that need safety improvements.

"You go, you know, with one thought. That you're going to travel and see your family and have a good time and all those other things really don't affect you until it happens,” said traveler Lucy Marvaez.

Passengers told Eyewitness News that they'd never thought about the airport equivalent of someone cutting you off in traffic.

"I think about it a little, but I just, I've been very fortunate, and I expect everybody's taking the precautions,” said traveler Ann Rapp.

The 151 close calls involved a plane or a truck turning out in front of another plane during takeoff or landing. There have been three times that planes have passed within feet of each other and been ranked among the most serious of runway incursions without actually resulting in a collision.

Airport officials told Eyewitness News that they're wrapping up a plan for construction and other changes designed to stop the mistakes. Airport planners are aiming to meet the latest federal safety guidelines and minimize the kind of pilot error that puts passengers in harm's way.

Eyewitness News reported about near collisions earlier this month at Orlando Executive Airport.

Cox Media Group