AIM 

4/20/23 

8. 

If a pilot is expected to hold short of a runway approach/departure (

Runway XX

 APPCH/

Runway XX 

DEP) hold area or ILS holding position (see FIG 2

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3

−

15, Taxiways Located in Runway Approach Area), ATC 

will issue instructions. 

9. 

When taxi instructions are received from the controller, pilots should always read back: 

(a) 

The runway assignment. 

(b) 

Any clearance to enter a specific runway. 

(c) 

Any instruction to hold short of a specific runway or line up and wait. 

10. 

Controllers are required to request a readback of runway hold short assignment when it is not received 

from the pilot/vehicle. 

b. 

ATC clearances or instructions pertaining to taxiing are predicated on known traffic and known physical 

airport conditions. Therefore, it is important that pilots clearly understand the clearance or instruction. Although 

an ATC clearance is issued for taxiing purposes, when operating in accordance with the CFRs, it is the 

responsibility of the pilot to avoid collision with other aircraft. Since “the pilot

−

in

−

command of an aircraft is 

directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft” the pilot should obtain 

clarification of any clearance or instruction which is not understood. 

1. 

Good operating practice dictates that pilots acknowledge all runway crossing, hold short, or takeoff 

clearances unless there is some misunderstanding, at which time the pilot should query the controller until the 

clearance is understood. 

NOTE

−

 

Air traffic controllers are required to obtain from the pilot a readback of all runway hold short instructions. 

2. 

Pilots operating a single pilot aircraft should monitor only assigned ATC communications after being 

cleared onto the active runway for departure. Single pilot aircraft should not monitor other than ATC 

communications until flight from Class B, Class C, or Class D surface area is completed. This same procedure 

should be practiced from after receipt of the clearance for landing until the landing and taxi activities are 

complete. Proper effective scanning for other aircraft, surface vehicles, or other objects should be continuously 

exercised in all cases. 

3. 

If the pilot is unfamiliar with the airport or for any reason confusion exists as to the correct taxi routing, 

a request may be made for progressive taxi instructions which include step

−

by

−

step routing directions. 

Progressive instructions may also be issued if the controller deems it necessary due to traffic or field conditions 

(for example, construction or closed taxiways). 

c. 

At those airports where the U.S. Government operates the control tower and ATC has authorized 

noncompliance with the requirement for two

−

way radio communications while operating within the Class B, 

Class C, or Class D surface area, or at those airports where the U.S. Government does not operate the control 

tower and radio communications cannot be established, pilots must obtain a clearance by visual light signal prior 

to taxiing on a runway and prior to takeoff and landing. 

d. 

The following phraseologies and procedures are used in radiotelephone communications with aeronautical 

ground stations. 

1.  Request for taxi instructions prior to departure. 

State your aircraft identification, location, type of 

operation planned (VFR or IFR), and the point of first intended landing. 

EXAMPLE

−

 

Aircraft:

 “Washington ground, Beechcraft One Three One Five Niner at hangar eight, ready to taxi, I

−

F

−

R to Chicago.” 

Tower: 

“Beechcraft one three one five niner, Washington ground, runway two seven, taxi via taxiways Charlie and Delta, 

hold short of runway three three left.” 

Aircraft:

 “Beechcraft One Three One Five Niner, runway two seven, hold short of runway three three left.” 

4

−

3

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24 

Airport Operations