Aerodrome Operations: Runway Incursion and Ground Conflict
You are taxiing a light twin (Cessna 414) at Brunei International (WBSB) for departure on Runway 03. Ground control clears you: 'Taxi to holding point Runway 03 via Alpha, cross Runway 21, hold short of Runway 03.' Visibility is 2,000 m in rain, and the surface wind is 210° at 12 kt. As you approach the crossing of Runway 21, you see a Boeing 737 on final for Runway 21, about 2 NM out. You are not yet at the hold short line for Runway 21. Your taxi clearance included 'cross Runway 21', but you have not been given a specific instruction to cross after the 737 lands. You must decide whether to continue crossing or stop and hold short.
1. What is the correct action and why? Include the relevant radio call and readback.
Read the worked answer
You must stop and hold short of Runway 21. The clearance 'cross Runway 21' does not authorize you to cross in front of landing traffic; it only authorizes you to cross when the runway is clear. Since a 737 is on final 2 NM out, the runway is not clear. You should stop before the hold short line and inform ATC: 'Ground, [callsign], holding short of Runway 21 due to traffic on final.' ATC may then instruct you to hold or cross after the traffic lands. Do not cross until you receive an explicit instruction and can confirm the runway is clear. The readback for any subsequent crossing clearance must include the runway designator and 'cross Runway 21'. The key is that a taxi clearance with a crossing instruction is conditional on the runway being clear; you must not assume priority over landing traffic.
2. If ATC then says 'Cross Runway 21, report runway vacated', what must you read back and what should you monitor?
Read the worked answer
You must read back: 'Cross Runway 21, report vacated, [callsign].' You should then visually check that the 737 has landed and vacated or is well clear, and that no other traffic is on the runway. Monitor the 737's position and ATC frequency for any further instructions. After crossing, report 'Runway 21 vacated' when the entire aircraft is clear of the runway holding point markings. Maintain vigilance for other ground traffic and follow the taxi route to Runway 03 holding point.