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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

(A) Taxiway Bravo location sign collocated with runway/runway intersection holding signs at Sioux Gateway Airport (SUX) (B) Airport diagram of Sioux Gateway Airport (SUX), Sioux City, Iowa. The area outlined in red is a designated “ ” (HS1).
Figure 14-11. (A) Taxiway Bravo location sign collocated with runway/runway intersection holding signs at Sioux Gateway Airport (SUX) (B) Airport diagram of Sioux Gateway Airport (SUX), Sioux City, Iowa. The area outlined in red is a designated “ ” (HS1).
Surface painted runway holding position signs for Runway 32R-14L along with the enhanced taxiway centerline marking.
Figure 14-12. Surface painted runway holding position signs for Runway 32R-14L along with the enhanced taxiway centerline marking.
Surface painted holding position marking along with enhanced taxiway centerline.
Figure 14-13. Surface painted holding position marking along with enhanced taxiway centerline.
Runway holding position markings as seen when exiting the runway. When exiting the runway, no ATC clearance is required to cross.
Figure 14-14. Runway holding position markings as seen when exiting the runway. When exiting the runway, no ATC clearance is required to cross.

Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO)

When simultaneous operations (takeoffs and landings) are being conducted on intersecting runways, Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO) may also be in effect. LAHSO is an ATC procedure that may require your participation and

Runway distance remaining sign indicating that there is 2,000 feet of runway remaining.
Figure 14-15. Runway distance remaining sign indicating that there is 2,000 feet of runway remaining.

compliance. As pilot in command (PIC), you have the final authority to accept or decline any LAHSO clearance.

If issued a land and hold short clearance, you must be aware of the reduced runway distances and whether or not you can comply before accepting the clearance. You do not have to accept a LAHSO clearance. Pilots should only receive a LAHSO clearance when there is a minimum ceiling of 1,000 feet and 3 statute miles of visibility.

Runway holding position signs and markings are installed on those runways used for LAHSO. The signs and markings are placed at the LAHSO point to aid you in determining where to stop and hold the aircraft and are located prior to the runway/runway intersection. [Figure 14-17]

The holding position sign has a white inscription with black border around the numbers on a red background and is installed adjacent to the holding position markings. If you accept a land and hold short clearance, you must comply so that no portion of the aircraft extends beyond these hold markings.

If receiving “cleared to land” instructions from ATC, you are authorized to use the entire landing length of the runway and should disregard any LAHSO holding position markings located on the runway. If you receive and accept LAHSO instructions, you must stop short of the intersecting runway prior to the LAHSO signs and markings.

Below is a list of items which, if thoroughly understood and complied with, will ensure that LAHSO operations are conducted properly.

  • Know landing distance available.
  • Be advised by ATC as to why LAHSO are being conducted.
Two of three parallel runways.
Figure 14-16. Two of three parallel runways.
  • Advise ATC if you cannot comply with LAHSO.
  • Know what signs and markings are at the LAHSO point.
  • LAHSO are not authorized for student pilots who are performing a solo flight.
  • At many airports air carrier aircraft are not authorized to participate in LAHSO if the other aircraft is a general aviation aircraft.
  • Generally, LAHSO are not authorized at night.
  • LAHSO are not authorized on wet runways.
Runway holding position sign and marking for LAHSO.
Figure 14-17. Runway holding position sign and marking for LAHSO.

If you accept the following clearance from ATC: “Cleared to land Runway 36 hold short of Runway 23,” you must either exit Runway 36 or stop at the holding position prior to Runway 23.

Taxiway Markings and Signs

Taxiway direction signs have a yellow background and black characters, which identifies the designation or intersecting taxiways. Arrows indicate the direction of turn that would place the aircraft on the designated taxiway. [Figure 14-18] Direction signs are normally located on the left side of the taxiway and prior to the intersection. These signs and markings (with a yellow background and black characters) indicate the direction toward a different taxiway, leading off a runway, or out of an intersection.