Parts 91 and 135 Single Pilot, Flight School Procedures During Taxi Operations (AC 91-73B)
Advisory Circular 91-73B provides guidance on preventing runway incursions during taxi operations. It covers proper use of airport diagrams, hold short instructions, hot spot awareness, sterile cockpit procedures during taxi, and communication best practices for safe ground operations at towered airports.
Why This Document Matters
Runway incursions are one of the FAA's top safety priorities, and this AC addresses the pilot's role in prevention. It covers reading and using airport diagrams, understanding hold short lines and markings, recognizing hot spots (areas of confusion on the airport surface), and maintaining situational awareness during taxi. The DPE will test your knowledge of airport signs, markings, and procedures during the checkride, and this AC provides the guidance that complements AIM Chapter 2.
Chapter-by-Chapter Guide
What each section covers and the key topics to study
1Taxi Procedures and Best Practices
Proper taxi techniques, airport diagram usage, and sterile cockpit concepts for ground operations.
Taxi Procedures and Best Practices
Proper taxi techniques, airport diagram usage, and sterile cockpit concepts for ground operations.
Key Topics
Study Tips
- Always write down taxi instructions and trace your route on the airport diagram before moving the aircraft. This is a best practice that DPEs expect to see during checkrides.
- Know the difference between a runway holding position sign (red background, white text) and an ILS critical area boundary sign — both require a clearance to cross.
- Study airport hot spots on the airport diagram before flying to an unfamiliar towered airport. Hot spots are marked with circles and indicate areas where incursions or confusion commonly occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a runway incursion?
A runway incursion is any occurrence at an airport involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or person on the protected area of a surface designated for aircraft landing and takeoff. This includes crossing a hold short line without clearance.
What is the most important thing to do when receiving taxi instructions?
Write them down. Read back any hold short instructions verbatim. Trace your route on the airport diagram. If you are unsure of your position or the instruction, stop and ask ATC for clarification — it is always safer to stop and ask than to guess.
Quick Facts
- Document ID
- AC 91-73B
- Last Updated
- 2012
- Cost
- Free
- Publisher
- FAA
Applies To
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Parts 91 and 135 Single Pilot, Flight School Procedures During Taxi Operations (AC 91-73B) is an official FAA publication available at FAA.gov
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