Explicit Runway Crossing Procedure and Rule Changes

Beginning June 30, 2010, controllers began issuing explicit instructions to cross or hold short of each runway that intersects a taxi route. More recently, FAA Regulation 91.129(i) has been changed to reflect the new procedures. The new regulation reads:

91.129 Operations in Class D airspace

(i) Takeoff, landing, taxi clearance. No person may, at any airport with an operating control tower, operate an aircraft on a runway or taxiway, or take off or land an aircraft, unless an appropriate clearance is received from ATC.

• As a result, "Taxi to" is no longer used when issuing taxi instructions to an assigned take-off runway.
• Instructions to cross a runway are now issued one at a time. Instructions to cross multiple runways are not issued. An aircraft or vehicle must have crossed the previous runway before another runway crossing instruction is issued.
• This applies to any runway including inactive or closed runways.
• 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 that specific runway; cleared to take off from that runway; or instructed to line up and wait on that specific runway.

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