DONE 6D XC Planning - Runway Incursion Avoidance

Question 0

• DUPLICATE*

2. What is an airport “hot spot”? (FAA-H-8261-1)

Answer 0

A “hot spot” is a runway safety-related problem area or intersection on an airport. Typically, hotspots are complex or confusing taxiway–taxiway or taxiway–runway intersections. A lack of visibility may exist at certain points and/or the tower may be unable to see those particular intersections. Pilots should be increasingly vigilant when approaching and taxiing through these intersections.

Question 1

• DUPLICATE*
  1. Preflight planning for taxi operations should be an integral part of the pilot’s flight planning process. What information should this include? (AC 91-73)

Answer 1

a. Review and understand airport signage, markings and lighting.
b. Review the airport diagram, planned taxi route, and identify any “hot spots.”
c. Review the latest airfield NOTAMs and ATIS (if available) for taxiway/runway closures, construction activity, etc.
d. Conduct a pre-taxi/pre-landing briefing that includes the expected/assigned taxi route and any hold short lines and restrictions based on ATIS information or previous experience at the airport.
e. Plan for critical times and locations on the taxi route (complex intersections, crossing runways, etc.).
f. Plan to complete as many aircraft checklist items as possible prior to taxi.

Question 2

• DUPLICATE*

3. Why is use of “sterile cockpit” procedures important when conducting taxi operations? (AC 91-73)

Answer 2

Pilots must be able to focus on their duties without being distracted by non-flight-related matters unrelated to the safe and proper operation of the aircraft. Refraining from nonessential activities during ground operations is essential. Passengers should be briefed on the importance of minimizing conversations and questions during taxi as well as on arrival, from the time landing preparations begin until the aircraft is safely parked.

Question 3

• DUPLICATE*
  4. After completing your pre-taxi/pre-landing briefing of the taxi route you “expect” to receive, ATC calls and gives you a different route. What potential pitfall is common in this situation? (AC 91-73)

Answer 3

A common pitfall of pre-taxi and pre-landing planning is setting expectations and then receiving different instructions from ATC. Pilots need to follow the instructions that they actually receive. Short-term memory is of limited duration.

Question 4

• DUPLICATE*
  5. When issued taxi instructions to an assigned takeoff runway, are you automatically authorized to cross any runway that intersects your taxi route? (AIM 4-3-18)

Answer 4

No; Aircraft must receive a runway crossing clearance for each runway that their taxi route crosses. When assigned a takeoff runway, ATC will first specify the runway, issue taxi instructions, and state any hold short instructions or runway crossing clearances if the taxi route will cross a runway. When issuing taxi instructions to any point other than an assigned takeoff runway, ATC will specify the point to which to taxi, issue taxi instructions, and state any hold short instructions or runway crossing clearances if the taxi route will cross a runway. ATC is required to obtain a read back from the pilot of all runway hold short instructions.

Question 5

• DUPLICATE*

6. When receiving taxi instructions from a controller, pilots should always read back what information? (AIM 4-3-18)

Answer 5

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

Question 6

• DUPLICATE*
  7. What are some recommended practices that can assist a pilot in maintaining situational awareness during taxi operations? (AC 91-73)

Answer 6

a. A current airport diagram should be available for immediate reference during taxi.
b. Monitor ATC instructions/clearances issued to other aircraft for the “big picture.”
c. Focus attention outside the cockpit while taxiing.
d. Use all available resources (airport diagrams, airport signs, markings, lighting, and ATC) to keep the aircraft on its assigned taxi route.
e. Cross-reference heading indicator to ensure turns are being made in the correct direction and that you’re on the assigned taxi route.
f. Prior to crossing any hold short line, visually check for conflicting traffic; verbalize “clear left, clear right.”
g. Be alert for other aircraft with similar call signs on the frequency.
h. Understand and follow all ATC instructions and if in doubt—Ask!

Question 7

• DUPLICATE*
  8. How can a pilot use aircraft exterior lighting to enhance situational awareness and safety during airport surface operations? (AC 91-73; SAFO)

Answer 7

To the extent possible and consistent with aircraft equipment, operating limitations, and pilot procedures, pilots should illuminate exterior lights as follows:
a. Engines running—Turn on the rotating beacon whenever an engine is running.
b. Taxiing—Prior to commencing taxi, turn on navigation/position lights and anti-collision lights.
c. Crossing a runway—All exterior lights should be illuminated when crossing a runway.
d. Entering the departure runway for takeoff—All exterior lights (except landing lights) should be on to make your aircraft more conspicuous to aircraft on final and ATC.
e. Cleared for takeoff—All exterior lights including takeoff/landing lights should be on.
Note: If you see an aircraft in take-off position on a runway with landing lights ON, that aircraft has most likely received its take-off clearance and will be departing immediately.

Question 8

• DUPLICATE*
  9. During calm or nearly calm wind conditions, at an airport without an operating control tower, a pilot should be aware of what potentially hazardous situations? (AC 91-73)

Answer 8

Aircraft may be landing and/or taking off on more than one runway at the airport. Also, aircraft may be using an instrument approach procedure to runways other than the runway in use for VFR operations. The instrument approach runway may intersect the VFR runway. It is also possible that an instrument arrival may be made to the opposite end of the runway from which a takeoff is being made.

Question 9

• DUPLICATE*
  10. When taxiing at a non-towered airport, what are several precautionary measures you should take prior to entering or crossing a runway? (AC 91-73)

Answer 9

Listen on the appropriate frequency (CTAF) for inbound aircraft information and always scan the full length of the runway, including the final approach and departure paths, before entering or crossing the runway. Self-announce your position and intentions and remember that not all aircraft are radio-equipped.