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Using a Runway as a Taxiway!
-- a word from PDK's Airport Director, Lee Remmel
 AIM Chapter 4 (ATC Clearances/Separations),
Section 3 (Airport Operations), paragraph 4-3-18 (Taxiing) states "a clearance
must be obtained prior to going on a runway, taking off, or landing during the hours
an Air Traffic Control Tower is in operation".
The AIM does NOT state "a clearance must be obtained prior to
going on an ACTIVE runway" - it simply states that "a clearance must be
obtained prior to going on a runway" - period!
At PDK, we have had a rash of pilot deviations associated with the
pilot turning off a taxiway onto or across a runway to reach a ramp. For example: A
pilot landed on Runway 2R and was given instructions by the Local Controller to
"exit at Taxiway 'D', cross Runway 2L and contact Ground .6 on the other
side". The pilot began taxiing northbound on Taxiway 'D'. When he saw where
he wanted to go on the west ramp, he turned left across both Runway 2L and Runway
16/34. The Ground Controller expected the aircraft to taxi across Runway 2L on
Taxiway 'D' and remain on Taxiway 'D' traveling northbound to contact the Ground
Controller on the other side for further instructions. But, the Local Controller
did NOT expect the aircraft to turn left off Taxiway 'D' onto and across Runway 02L
and then cross Runway 16/34 as well. To make matters worse, crosswind operations
were in effect, and Runway 16/34 was active as well resulting in an extremely
dangerous situation.
Question? If you land on Runway 2L and are slowed down
enough to steer off the runway onto Runway 9/27 to get to Taxiway 'A' to get back
to your ramp, can you do this?
Answer: NO.
First, the Tower Controller will expect you to go to the first
available taxiway where your turnoff can be safely done, pull clear of the "hold
short" line, and contact Ground for taxi instructions. Second, there are no
"hold short" lines on a runway, so at which point do you know where to
switch frequencies from Tower to Ground when you are on Runway 9/27 before you
enter Taxiway 'A'? You may request a turnoff onto the runway OR if the Tower
controller needs you to expedite clearing the active runway, he/she may ask you to
use the runway for taxiing if your speed permits. However, if you do this, remember
it will be up to you to determine if you've cleared the active runway and where you
will switch to Ground Control prior to entering Taxiway 'A'.
Taxiways are for taxiing, runways are for taking off and landing.
You do not have permission to use a runway as a taxiway unless you request and are
approved to do so by the tower, or the tower directs you to use a runway for taxiing
to expedite the flow of traffic.
With the attention now being given to runway and movement area
incursions, do NOT expect the Tower Controller to ask you to contact the tower by
phone for a "little heart-to-heart discussion". DO expect to be cited by
any controller for an infraction, and DO expect your next conversation with the FAA
to be with someone from the Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).
With our intersecting taxiway & runway system at PDK, this is
extremely important to remember:
TAXIWAYS ARE FOR TAXIING,
RUNWAYS ARE FOR TAKING OFF AND LANDING.
Make safety your number one priority. Visit PDK's
Runway Incursion Page and
learn about hazard areas at your airport.
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