now the new york times has compiled its own list, citing 46 close calls in july alone. the faa insists most were not as serious but does report nearly 1700 runway incursions last year, 985 so far this year, up 33% in a decade. everybody needs to be more vigilant and double down on safety. reporter: one big factor, the country is short some 1200 controllers, forcing many to work six-day weeks. the faa insists the u.s. aviation system is the safest in the world, but one close call is one too many. anywhere between 300 lives or more were put at risk in these near collisions. reporter: the faa s runway safety push will focus on the basics, situational awareness in cockpits and towers, double-confirming radio instructions, and sterile cockpits. pilots should only be talking about the job until they reach 10,000 feet. lester? tom costello, thank