Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) PracticeTest

A pilot should contact ground control after leaving the runway and crossing the runway holding lines to ensure safe and efficient movement on the surface of the airport. This procedure is crucial because it allows the pilot to receive taxi instructions, which help facilitate the orderly flow of air traffic and avoid any conflicts with other arriving or departing aircraft. Communicating with ground control at this stage also confirms that the aircraft has vacated the runway, allowing the tower to manage other aircraft operations safely. Additionally, it is the appropriate time to request clearance to taxi to the designated gate or parking area, maintaining adherence to airport protocols. In contrast, contacting ground control before exiting the runway could lead to confusion or miscommunication since the aircraft has not yet cleared active landing operations. Contacting ground control while still airborne or on final approach does not align with standard operating procedures, as the pilot must prioritize landing and runway access at that moment.