B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 136
Situational Awareness; Confusion
Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Incursion Runway
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
We were cleared for takeoff on Runway 24L. During the takeoff roll just above 80 knots the Runway Status Lights turned red. We had a very brief back and forth before the lights went out. I am guessing approximately two seconds. We continued the takeoff. I was immediately focused on the runway in front of us which looked clear. Sometime after that we heard the other carrier come on the radio and state that they were past the hold line. The Tower responded; and I again focused on making sure the runway was clear. We climbed out without incident. Once we landed at our destination the Crew contacted the Chief Pilot on Call; and our ATC liaison.I am not sure how to keep it from happening again as it appeared to be human error. We as a Crew had a very long discussion about the event and how we could have been better and what we did right. I felt like our communication in the cockpit was good. We were working well together and passing information throughout the entire incident. After talking to our ATC Specialist; I learned a few things about the runway status lights that I didn't know before. The runway status lights will go out even with an aircraft past the hold line. I was also told ATC could override the lights; but they didn't in this case. When the other carrier stopped; the lights went out. I was confused by the short nature of the lights on then off. We also learned that the Tower was well aware of and agreed with our decision to continue. I have to commend the other carrier Crew for announcing they were past the hold line because that communication was important.
We were cleared for takeoff on 24L. It was a left seat takeoff. Passing approximately 95 KIAS; the red centerline lights illuminated for approximately two seconds. I knew this did not meet standard reject criteria and I could see the runway was clear ahead; so I continued the takeoff. Another carrier had just landed on 24R and were supposed to be holding short of 24L at AA. About the time the red lights extinguished; the other carrier came over Tower frequency and said they had incurred on runway 24L. As we became airborne; we could see them over the hold short line by about 15-20 feet. They were instructed to contact Tower. Upon landing; I called the Chief Pilot on Call to inform him of the event. He made an entry into the Chief Pilot on Call logbook. I also called the Company ATC Rep. I was told that my actions were supported by all those I contacted.
B737 flight crew reported seeing red runway status lights above 80 knots during the takeoff roll that quickly extinguished. The runway appeared to be clear and the takeoff was continued. Another air carrier crew then announced they have crossed the hold line; but had stopped short of the runway.