Flying Cloud Airport Ranks in Top Worst for Incursions

It's a distinction no airport wants: Being dubbed one of the worst airports in the nation when it comes to runway incursions--or the presence of aircrafts, vehicles, or people in the protect area designated for landing and take off.

But according to the Federal Aviation Administration, the Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie ranks sixth worst.

The FAA has been working with the airport for years to improve both the security and the safety there. The administration says there were 13 runway incursions at the airport from June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2009—incidents ranging from planes getting clearance to land on one runway and then landing on another, to vehicles entering the runaway without authorization.

"They're not real serious issues, but they can be. Downplaying an issue like this, and they continue to downplay it," said resident Vicki Price.

Price can see the airport from her front yard and has been heading up a group called 'Zero Expansion,' that she says, fights for residents rights. She questions the safety and security at the airport.

The FAA has allotted $1.3 million to make improvements, and the Metropolitan Airport Commission will have to front five percent of that amount.

According to MAC spokesman Pat Hogan, the money will go towards improving signage, lighting, and security gates.

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