Best Practices

1. Ensure appropriate vehicle lights (high beams, flashers, beacons, and strobes) are operational prior to driving in the operational area. Flashers and beacons help Air Traffic Control (ATC), aircrew, and other vehicle operators see vehicles in the operational area, especially during periods of reduced visibility and at night. 
2. Use caution with strobes and high beams if you are in close proximity to operating aircraft at night.
3. Use service roads whenever possible to minimize time spent on taxiways and runways.
4. Eliminate distractions while driving in the operational area. Cell phones should not be used while driving in the operational area.
5. Focus attention and have your "eyes out" of the vehicle.
6. Maintain appropriate speed.
7. Be alert to similar aircraft and vehicle call signs operating on the field.
8. Try not to enter any improved surfaces from unimproved areas. This introduces Foreign Object Debris (FOD) that can become impactful to aircraft and vehicles operating on the airport.
9. Recommend using a guide for backing vehicles when vision is restricted by weather or obstructions in the area.

Movement Areas

1. Together, runways and taxiways are known as the movement areas of the airport.
2. Airport diagrams provide the layout and designations of runways and taxiways, show the location of major facilities, and are essential to navigating the airport surface safely. Ensure your vehicle has a current airport diagram handy. Review the diagram prior to moving into the operational areas.
3. If you are required to drive on or work in areas adjacent to runways, be aware that aircraft wings and engines may extend over these areas. ATC approval is typically required to operate in these areas.
4. Explicit Runway Crossing Clearances: Never cross a holding position marking, including hold lines for inactive or closed runways, without explicit ATC instructions. Instructions to cross a runway will be issued one at a time. An aircraft or vehicle must have crossed the previous runway before another runway crossing is issued.
5. When cleared to cross any runway or taxiway, first visually check to ensure there is no conflicting traffic. If there is any doubt that the runway is clear, reconfirm crossing clearance with ATC. 
6. Note that if you see an aircraft in take-off position on a runway with take-off/landing lights on, that aircraft has most likely received its take-off clearance and will be departing immediately.
7. If you become uncertain of your location on the airport movement area, stop and immediately contact ATC for help.
8. Review and understand your airport markings, signs, and lighting. Be careful not to hit or run over any lighting systems on the airport.

Non-Movement Areas

Around Aircraft

1. Aircraft cockpit windows have a very limited viewing area. It can be difficult or impossible for pilots to see vehicles and pedestrians, particularly behind the wings or under the nose of the aircraft.
2. Always yield the right-of-way to moving aircraft. Do not assume the pilot will see you, especially in busy areas like aprons/ramps where pilots are busy with preflight checks.
3. If a pilot is about to start the engine or the engine is running, the aircraft’s red rotating beacon(s) should be turned on as well.

While Communicating with Air Traffic Control (ATC)

1. Avoid distractions and focus on where other vehicles and/or aircraft are on the airport, especially on your intended route.
2. Always use standard aviation phraseology and proper communication procedures when contacting ATC in order to facilitate clear and concise communications.
3. Write down taxi instructions, especially instructions that are complex. This can help reduce your vulnerability of forgetting part of the instruction.
4. When in doubt, stop and ask for help or clarification from ATC.
5. If your radio fails while you're in the airport operations area (AOA) and the air traffic control tower is open, alert the controllers by flashing your high/low beams towards the air traffic control tower. They will respond using the light gun: solid red means stop where you are; solid green means cleared to cross, proceed, or go. If the air traffic control tower is closed, visually clear your route and exit the operational area as quickly as possible.

Closed or Non-Towered Airport 

If the tower is closed or there is no tower, broadcast your location and intent on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF).