2.B : Runway Incursion Avoidance

Always maintain the centerline which in most small aircraft is done using the rudder pedals. Learn the proper sight picture for the aircraft in use, and keep the centerline positioned appropriately. Always have an airport diagram, and in low visibility conditions use all available tools to avoid conflicts.

These lines indicate where an aircraft is supposed to stop when approaching a runway. Unauthorized crossing of hold lines can result in an incursion with an aircraft taking off or landing. If approaching a hold line from the dashed side you are free to cross without stopping, but if approaching from the solid side do not cross without a clearance from ATC. All runways at controlled airports require a clearance to cross, and if you arrive at a hold short line without a clearance stop and request one.

When landing and rolling out on a taxiway that will cross/approach another runway brief the situation and know where you should stop. Know what taxiways are appropriate to use/not use and know potential hot spots. If stopped between parallel runways only cross a runway when cleared. NEVER cross the solid side of a hold short line without a clearance!

After landing ensure that the entire aircraft …​ including the tail …​ has crossed over the respective landing runway’s hold short line. This will insure that the entire aircraft is clear of the runway area, and if you can’t clear entirely stop and inform ATC. After landing all nonessential communications and operations should be avoided until clear of the landing runway.

Perform all the above (.e. planning, briefing, reviewing, etc) prior to contacting ATC. When you do contact ATC use standardized phraseology at all times to help facilitate clear communications. When making initial contact with the controller state who you are, where you are on the airport, and what you want. Focus on the ATC clearance and avoid distractions to insure you copy the clearance correctly. Read back all clearances.

One critical note regarding clearances, is that at a tower controlled airport with multiple runways, where runways need to be crossed during taxi operations. you MUST receive explicit clearances for EACH RUNWAY to be crossed. It used to be the case that you might be cleared to a distant runway with implicit permission to cross intervening runways, but that is no longer the practice. Furthermore, clearances for vehicles on the airport surface need clearances just like aircraft, and therefore paying attention to vehicle clearances and directions can be critical as well.

You should make yourself familiar with local traffic pattern direction, pattern altitude, and during calm wind conditions be aware that operations may occur at more than one runway. Also be aware that instrument approaches are flown to runways other than the one in use for VFR operations. Be alert, communicate your intentions clearly on CTAF, and listen for other aircraft. At all times exercise see and avoid techniques as the final safety net during all operations.

Be aware that not all aircraft at "uncontrolled" airports have radios. Be sure to scan the full length of the runway as well as the final approach paths when departing to insure there will be no conflict. Monitor CTAF from engine start, through taxiing, and until 10 miles from the airport.

Use of exterior lights can enhance the visibility of an aircraft operating on the airport surface at night. Conventions are to turn on anti-collision lights whenever the engine is running. Turn on all navigation, position, and anti-collisions lights when taxiing. However, during taxi turn off taxi lights and strobes when they might adversely affect other pilots operating on the surface. When crossing a runway ALL lights should be on for maximum visibility. Similarly, when entering a runway for departure ALL lights should be on for the same reason. When instructed to line up and wait consider lining up three fight to the side of the centerline to differentiate the aircraft from other (potentially embedded) lighting.

Due to reduced visibility be more cautious at night. Redouble efforts to stay on your taxi route to avoid confusion and potential conflict. Taxi slower to give yourself time to identify problems and time to stop. Pay particular attention to surface markings (particularly hold short lines) to insure you operate safely.