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Exiting a runway at a controlled airport

Asked by: 10601 views Airspace, FAA Regulations

When landing at an airport with an active control tower, are you expected to exit a soon as practical or wait for the controller to give you instructions?

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1 Answers



  1. John D. Collins on Jul 07, 2013

    From the AIM:

    4−3−20. Exiting the Runway After Landing The following procedures must be followed after landing and reaching taxi speed.
    a. Exit the runway without delay at the first available taxiway or on a taxiway as instructed by ATC. Pilots must not exit the landing runway onto another runway unless authorized by ATC. At airports with an operating control tower, pilots should not stop or reverse course on the runway without first obtaining ATC approval.
    b. Taxi clear of the runway unless otherwise directed by ATC. An aircraft is considered clear of the runway when all parts of the aircraft are past the runway edge and there are no restrictions to its continued movement beyond the runway holding position markings. In the absence of ATC instructions, the pilot is expected to taxi clear of the landing runway by taxiing beyond the runway holding position markings associated with the landing runway, even if that requires the aircraft to protrude into or cross another taxiway or ramp area. Once all parts of the aircraft have crossed the runway holding position markings, the pilot must hold unless further instructions have been issued by ATC.
    NOTE−
    1. The tower will issue the pilot instructions which will permit the aircraft to enter another taxiway, runway, or ramp area when required.
    2. Guidance contained in subparagraphs a and b above is considered an integral part of the landing clearance and satisfies the requirement of 14 CFR Section 91.129.
    c. Immediately change to ground control frequency when advised by the tower and obtain a taxi clearance.
    NOTE−
    1. The tower will issue instructions required to resolve any potential conflictions with other ground traffic prior to advising the pilot to contact ground control.
    2. A clearance from ATC to taxi to the ramp authorizes the aircraft to cross all runways and taxiway intersections. Pilots not familiar with the taxi route should request specific taxi instructions from ATC.

    Good runway etiquette should prevail, but not to the extent that you attempt to clear the runway at a speed above taxi or requiring excessive braking. If you are unable to turn off the runway as requested, say “unable”. If you are cleared for a landing and hold short operation, you must either not accept the landing clearance by stating “unable” or if you accept the clearance, you must comply with the hold short instruction.

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