What does the term "surface incident" refer to?

The term "surface incident" specifically refers to situations involving unauthorized or unapproved movement in the movement area of an airport. This includes instances where vehicles, aircraft, or personnel inadvertently operate in areas where they are not permitted, which can pose significant safety risks.

Understanding "surface incident" in this context is critical for maintaining safety protocols at airports, especially in busy environments like O'Hare. Such incidents can lead to potential conflicts or accidents if they are not monitored and managed effectively. Awareness of these movements helps airport operations maintain control and ensure that all activities on the airport surface are conducted safely and according to regulations.

While options mentioning surveys, accidents, or routine inspections may be related to airport operations, they do not accurately define the concept of surface incidents, which is specifically tied to unauthorized movements in controlled areas.