Runway Safety - Current Events: Explicit Runway Crossing Procedure Change

Explicit Runway Crossing Procedure Change

Beginning June 30, 2010, controllers will be required to issue explicit instructions to cross or hold short of each runway that intersects a taxi route.
"Taxi to" will no longer be used when issuing taxi instructions to an assigned take-off runway.
Instructions to cross a runway normally will be issued one at a time. An aircraft or vehicle must have crossed the previous runway before another runway crossing is issued. Exceptions may apply for closely spaced runways.
This applies to any runway including inactive or closed runways.
Changes will also be made to the AIM and AIP to reflect the new procedures.
Never cross a hold line without explicit ATC instructions. If in doubt ASK!
Reminder: You may not enter a runway unless you have been: instructed to cross or taxi onto that specific runway; cleared to take off from that runway; or instructed to position and hold on that specific runway.

For more information on the change, refer to FAA Order N JO 7110.532, which can be found at: http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Notice/N7110.532.pdf.