Taxi holding positions: stop rule and transgression response
A taxi holding position is the stop point before a runway: a sign or marking, or, where none exists, at least 200 ft (61 m) from the runway edge (RAC 4.2.6).
- Purpose: keeps protected area clear of aircraft, vehicles, people against takeoff overrun, landing undershoot, runway excursion (RAC 4.1.4).
- Leaving a holding position: get authorization first, or, with no marking or sign, stay at least 200 ft (61 m) off the runway edge (RAC 4.2.6).
- Can't hold 200 ft (congested apron): keep distance sufficient to avoid hazarding arriving or departing traffic (RAC 4.2.6).
Transgression response, by aerodrome:
| Aerodrome | Response | Cite |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled | ATC will not clear takeoff or landing while a holding position is transgressed. Issued clearance cancelled, unless cancelling itself creates a hazard. | RAC 4.1.4 |
| Controlled | ATC cancels an issued landing or takeoff clearance if it can no longer confirm runway protected area is clear, including taxiing aircraft and vehicles. | TC AIM RAC 1.6.1.1(g) |
| Uncontrolled, with FSS | FSS informs the pilot taking off or landing and asks intentions. | RAC 4.1.4 |
| Uncontrolled, no service | Pilot awaiting takeoff should not proceed past the holding position sign or marking until no collision risk with landing, taxiing, or departing aircraft. | RAC 4.2.7 |
| NORDO | Hold at least 200 ft off the runway edge where no marking or sign exists, unless takeoff or runway-crossing clearance already received. | RAC 4.2.10 |
Taxiway holding signs at a controlled airport (RAC 4.2.7):
| Item | Rule | Cite |
|---|---|---|
| Boundary | Sign or marking normally marks the boundary of an electronically sensitive (ILS critical) area and gives obstruction clearance from the runway. | RAC 4.2.7 |
| Hazard past it | May interfere dangerously with glide path or localizer signal. | RAC 4.2.7 |
| Crossing | Only on ATC clearance, even with the runway visibly clear. | RAC 4.2.7 |
| CAT II/III signs | Apply only in CAT II/III weather or with the CAT II/III plan (LVOP) in effect. Otherwise taxi to normal holding position markings, unless ATC says otherwise. | RAC 4.2.7 |
Runway incursion (TC AIM GEN 5.1): any occurrence at an aerodrome involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or person on the protected area of a surface designated for landing and takeoff.
- No collision required.
Trap: treating a taxiway holding sign as a collision check only. Even with the runway visibly empty, crossing at a controlled airport without ATC clearance is still a runway incursion.
References
- TC AIM RAC 4.1.4
- TC AIM RAC 4.2.6
- TC AIM RAC 4.2.7
- TC AIM RAC 4.2.10
- TC AIM GEN 5.1
- TC AIM RAC 1.5.8