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Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

FAA-H-8083-25C Version October 20, 2025
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Chapter 14

Airport Operations

Do NOT cross a runway holding position marking without ATC clearance. If the tower is closed or you are operating from a non-towered airport, check both directions for conflicting traffic before crossing the hold position marking.
Figure 14-51. Do NOT cross a runway holding position marking without ATC clearance. If the tower is closed or you are operating from a non-towered airport, check both directions for conflicting traffic before crossing the hold position marking.

short” instructions and the reply from the pilot.

ATC Instructions-Explicit Runway Crossing

As of June 30, 2010, ATC is required to issue explicit instructions to “cross” or “hold short” of each runway. Instructions to “cross” a runway are normally issued one at a time, and an aircraft must have crossed the previous runway before another runway crossing is issued. Exceptions may apply for closely spaced runways that have less than 1,000 feet between centerlines. This applies to all runways to include active, inactive, or closed. Figure 14-54 shows communication between ATC and a pilot who is requesting a taxi clearance. Extra caution should be used when directed by ATC to taxi onto or across a runway, especially at night and during reduced visibility conditions. Always comply with “hold

Runway 13-31 holding position sign and marking located on Taxiway Charlie.
Figure 14-52. Runway 13-31 holding position sign and marking located on Taxiway Charlie.
Example of taxi and “ ” instructions from ATC to a pilot.
Figure 14-53. Example of taxi and “ ” instructions from ATC to a pilot.

short” or crossing instructions when approaching an entrance to a runway. Scan the full length of the runway and the final approaches before entering or crossing any runway, even if ATC has issued a clearance.

ATC Instructions-“Line Up and Wait” (LUAW)

ATC now uses the “line up and wait” (LUAW) instruction when a takeoff clearance cannot be issued immediately due to traffic or other reasons. The words “line up and wait” have replaced “position and hold” in directing you to taxi onto a runway and await takeoff clearance.

An ATC instruction to “line up and wait” is not a clearance for takeoff. It is only a clearance to enter the runway and hold in position for takeoff. Under LUAW phraseology, the controller states the aircraft call sign, departure runway, and “line up and wait.” Be aware that “traffic holding in position” will continue to be used to advise other aircraft that traffic has been authorized to line up and wait on an active runway. Pay close attention when instructed to “line up and wait,” especially at night or during periods of low visibility. Before

Communication between ATC and a pilot who is requesting taxi procedures.
Figure 14-54. Communication between ATC and a pilot who is requesting taxi procedures.

entering the runway, remember to scan the full length of the runway and its approach end for other aircraft.

There have been collisions and incidents involving aircraft instructed to “line up and wait” while ATC waits for the necessary conditions to issue a takeoff clearance. An OI caused a 737 to land on a runway occupied by a twin-engine turboprop. The turboprop was holding in position awaiting takeoff clearance. Upon landing, the 737 collided with the twin-engine turboprop.

When ATC instructs you to “line up and wait,” they should advise you of any anticipated delay in receiving your takeoff clearance. Possible reasons for ATC takeoff clearance delays may include other aircraft landing and/or departing, wake turbulence, or traffic crossing an intersecting runway.

  • If advised of a reason for the delay, or the reason is clearly visible, expect an imminent takeoff clearance once the reason is no longer an issue.
  • If a takeoff clearance is not received within 90 seconds after receiving the “line up and wait” instruction, contact ATC immediately.
  • When ATC issues “line up and wait” instructions and takeoff clearances from taxiway intersection, the taxiway designator is included.

Example - “N123AG Runway One-Eight, at Charlie Three, line up and wait.” Example - “N123AG Runway One-Eight, at Charlie Three, cleared for takeoff.”

If LUAW procedures are being used and landing traffic is a factor, ATC is required to:

  • Inform the aircraft in the LUAW position of the closest aircraft that is requesting a full-stop, touch-and-go, stop-and-go, option, or unrestricted low approach.

Example - “N123AG, Runway One-Eight, line up and wait, traffic a Cessna 210 on a six-mile final.”

  • In some cases, where safety logic is being used, ATC is permitted to issue landing clearances with traffic in the LUAW position. Traffic information is issued to the landing traffic.