How to Read Back a Hold Short Instruction

Why this readback is different

Most readbacks are recommended, and the controller checks whatever you read back (JO 7110.65 2-4-3). This one is required: ATC must obtain a readback of every runway hold short instruction (AIM 4-3-18), and has to ask for it if you do not give it (JO 7110.65 3-7-2). Answer with “roger” and you will hear:

Ground: November One Two Three Alpha Zulu, read back hold instructions.

Reading it back the first time saves that extra exchange on a busy frequency.

What “hold short” means on the pavement

Runway holding position markings are four yellow lines across the taxiway, two solid and two dashed. The solid lines are always on the side where you hold (AIM 2-3-5). Next to them stands a red sign with white characters: the runway's numbers, such as 18-36 (AIM 2-3-8).

When you are told to hold short, stop so that no part of the airplane is past the markings (AIM 2-3-5). At an airport with an operating tower, you may not cross them without a clearance.

A taxi clearance is not a runway clearance

“Runway two seven, taxi via Alpha” takes you to runway 27 along Alpha. It does not let you onto runway 27 (AIM 4-3-18). Every runway the route crosses needs an explicit crossing clearance (AIM 4-3-18), so for runway 36 on the way you will hear either “hold short of runway three six” or a clearance to cross it.

The request in the exchange above is the short form PilotSpeak practices. On the radio, also give the ATIS letter, VFR or IFR, and where you are going, as in any call to Ground for taxi before departure (AIM 4-1-13, 4-3-18).

Common mistakes

• “Roger” instead of the readback. Ground has to ask again (JO 7110.65 3-7-2).
• Reading back the route but not the hold short. The hold short is the part that must come back.
• Stopping with the nose past the line. No part of the airplane may be beyond the solid lines.
• Crossing because the route continues on the other side. The route does not authorize the crossing. Only an explicit clearance across runway 36 does, normally “cross runway three six”.
• Not reading back a hold short from Tower. Read back every instruction to hold short of a runway, whoever gives it (AIM 4-3-18).

If Ground says something you did not expect

• “Hold short of taxiway Charlie”: a hold short at a taxiway. Read it back too: controllers may ask for a readback of a hold at any point on the movement area (JO 7110.65 3-7-2).
• “Cross runway three six, hold short of runway two seven”: two instructions in one. Read back both.
• “Hold position”: stop where you are and wait (JO 7110.65 3-7-2).
• A route you did not catch: “say again” is a normal request.

FAQ

Do I have to read back hold short instructions?

Yes. The AIM tells pilots to read back every instruction to hold short of a runway, and controllers are required to get that readback (AIM 4-3-18, JO 7110.65 2-4-3).

Where exactly do I stop?

Before the yellow holding position markings, on the side with the solid lines, with no part of the airplane beyond them (AIM 2-3-5).

What do the numbers on the red sign mean?

They are the runway's numbers, arranged to match its thresholds: on an 18-36 sign, the runway 18 threshold (where runway 18 begins) is to your left and the runway 36 threshold to your right (AIM 2-3-8).

Can I cross the line if the runway is clearly empty?

Not at an airport with an operating control tower: you need a clearance. At an airport without one, including a towered airport after the tower has closed, cross only when you are sure of adequate separation from other aircraft, vehicles and people, including aircraft on final or taking off (AIM 2-3-5).

What do I read back when I am cleared for takeoff after holding short?

The clearance with the runway: “cleared for takeoff runway two seven” and your callsign. The AIM wants the runway in your first readback of a departure clearance (AIM 4-4-7).