Air Traffic Control: Taxi Operations

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of writing down taxi clearances on a kneeboard or airport diagram?

To document taxi clearances for regulatory compliance

To aid in memory and prevent confusion about taxi instructions (correct)

To facilitate communication with ATC

To plan the most efficient taxi route

What are Airport Hot Spots typically characterized by?

Congested areas with high traffic volume

Unmarked taxiways and runway entrances

Areas with restricted access or security checkpoints

Confusing or irregularly shaped hold lines or intersections (correct)

During taxi operations, what should pilots avoid doing to minimize workload and maintain situational awareness?

Reviewing the airport diagram

Planning the flight route

Programming the GPS (correct)

Contacting ATC for clarification

What should a pilot do if they are unsure about a taxi clearance or their position on the runway or airport?

Contact ATC for clarification Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of highlighting the airport diagram during taxi operations?

To aid in visualizing the taxi route and identifying hot spots Signup and view all the answers

What is a key principle of maintaining situational awareness during taxi operations?

Maintaining a sterile cockpit Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of a pilot being cleared to taxi to Runway 25 'via Alpha, Bravo'?

The pilot is cleared to taxi to Runway 25 via Alpha and Bravo without restrictions Signup and view all the answers

At non-towered airports, what is the primary responsibility of pilots regarding runway incursions?

To remain vigilant for runway incursions and self-announce taxi intentions Signup and view all the answers

What is a key component of taxi safety techniques at non-towered airports?

Visually confirming the runway is clear before entering Signup and view all the answers

What should pilots do before taking off or landing at a non-towered airport?

Consult the airport diagram before taxi, takeoff, and landing Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of turning on airplane strobes, taxi, and landing lights during taxi operations?

To enhance visibility during taxi operations Signup and view all the answers

What should pilots do when taxiing in a runway area at a non-towered airport?

Taxi clear of runways quickly and without delay Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for pilots to ask for progressive taxi instructions from ATC?

To avoid uncertainty about their position on the airfield Signup and view all the answers

What should pilots do when approaching a runway hold line?

Verbalize their clearance to cross the runway Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the red color on airport signs?

Indicates a hold line nearby Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor in preventing pilots from falling prey to confirmation and expectation bias?

Active listening to taxi instructions Signup and view all the answers

What contributed to the 1999 Providence, RI incident?

Pilot uncertainty about position and vague descriptions of signage Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of pilots cross-referencing their outside sight picture with the airport diagram?

To verify their position and prevent uncertainty Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Taxi Operations at Non-Towered Airports

Pilots must remain vigilant for runway incursions and maintain situational awareness about the position of other airplanes and vehicles on runways and taxiways.
Pilots should self-announce taxi intentions and the intention to enter a runway.

Planning and Radio Calls

Consult the airport diagram before taxi, takeoff, and landing to know the route to enter and exit the runway.
Visually confirm that the runway and final approach are clear before entering any runways.

Taxi Safety Techniques

Visually confirm that a runway (and final approach) is clear before crossing or entering any runway surface, whether cleared or not.
Turn on airplane strobes, taxi, and landing lights to enhance visibility.
Maintain eyes outside the cockpit when in any runway area.
Taxi clear of runways quickly and without delay.

Techniques to Minimize Confusion

Write down taxi clearances on a kneeboard or airport diagram to aid in memory.
Highlight the taxi route on the airport diagram as the clearance is received.
Brief any hot spots that will be encountered on the route.
Form a mental model of the airport route.

Hot Spots

Hot spots are areas where other pilots (or vehicles) have commonly made mistakes leading to runway incursions.
Examples include confusing or irregularly shaped hold lines or intersections.
Be extra vigilant for the presence of hold lines or runway identifier signs in these locations.

Minimizing Pilot Workload

Maintain a sterile cockpit during taxi operations.
Avoid unnecessary tasks (e.g., programming the GPS, working on EFB) to devote full attention to taxiing and maintaining situational awareness.

Conﬁrm/Always Be Sure

Clarify taxi instructions with ATC if any uncertainty exists.
Ask for progressive taxi instructions if needed.
Verbalize taxi clearance when approaching a runway hold line.

Case Study - December 6, 1999 Providence, RI Incident

Contributing factors included pilot uncertainty about position, vague descriptions of signage, and not cross-referencing outside sight picture with the airport diagram.

Taxiway/Runway Signage

The runway hold position sign is an important airport sign that pilots should keep watch for.
The red color of the sign indicates a hold line nearby.

Dangers of Confirmation and Expectation Bias

Actively listen to taxi instructions to avoid falling prey to confirmation or expectation bias.
These biases can lead pilots to hear what they are expecting to hear, rather than what was actually said.

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Description

Understand the importance of clear communication during taxi operations at towered and non-towered airports, including avoiding runway incursions and maintaining situational awareness.