Sjc controller described an unauthorized runway 29 crossing at taxiway D; claiming additional signs ...

Narrative:

I was working another position when I observed a C172 taxi pass the hold bars at 30L/D and turn their aircraft around with the tail of the aircraft facing runway 30L and perform what looked to be a run-up. I advised the ground controller that the cessna appeared to be disorientated and overheard ground control tell the C172 that the run-up area was now ahead and to their left. The cessna taxied back across runway 29 onto V and the ground controller again advised the C172 to turn back around cross runway 29 and taxi to the area which was 'black top'. This has been designated as the run-up by the city but it is not well marked and was noted as such during a recent runway safety action team (rsat) evaluation. This continues to take up a tremendous amount of time and effort for the ground controller to orientate pilots who are not familiar with this layout. It was recommended that additional signs be placed at this location to better help eliminate any confusion with the designated run-up [area]. This has not been accomplished. It would also help to note it in the airport directory and through pilot education. This will be designated as a 'hot spot' by rsat.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: SJC Controller described an unauthorized Runway 29 crossing at Taxiway D; claiming additional signs are necessary to prevent similar events in the future.

Narrative: I was working another position when I observed a C172 taxi pass the hold bars at 30L/D and turn their aircraft around with the tail of the aircraft facing Runway 30L and perform what looked to be a run-up. I advised the Ground Controller that the Cessna appeared to be disorientated and overheard Ground Control tell the C172 that the run-up area was now ahead and to their left. The Cessna taxied back across Runway 29 onto V and the Ground Controller again advised the C172 to turn back around cross Runway 29 and taxi to the area which was 'black top'. This has been designated as the run-up by the city but it is not well marked and was noted as such during a recent Runway Safety Action Team (RSAT) evaluation. This continues to take up a tremendous amount of time and effort for the Ground Controller to orientate pilots who are not familiar with this layout. It was recommended that additional signs be placed at this location to better help eliminate any confusion with the designated run-up [area]. This has not been accomplished. It would also help to note it in the airport directory and through pilot education. This will be designated as a 'hot spot' by RSAT.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	961721
Time
Date	201107
Local Time Of Day	1801-2400
Place
Locale Reference	SJC.Tower
State Reference	CA
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Phase	Taxi
Route In Use	None
Flight Plan	VFR
Person 1
Function	Local
Qualification	Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Events
Anomaly	Ground Incursion Runway

Sjc controller described an unauthorized runway 29 crossing at taxiway D; claiming additional signs are necessary to prevent similar events in the future.