Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) PracticeTest

If instructed by ground control to "Taxi to Runway 9," what may a pilot do?

1. Wait for further instructions

2. Taxy to hold short of the runway

3. Proceed via any route at the pilot's discretion onto Runway 9

4. Only taxi if visibility conditions are good

The correct answer is: Proceed via any route at the pilot's discretion onto Runway 9

When a pilot is instructed by ground control to "Taxi to Runway 9," this instruction implies that the pilot has permission to proceed towards the designated runway. The correct understanding of this instruction allows the pilot some autonomy in selecting the route to get to Runway 9. Therefore, the pilot may choose any feasible and safe taxiway to reach the runway as long as they adhere to other traffic and safety regulations. This flexibility is crucial in busy airports where direct routes may not always be available due to other aircraft or obstructions. It empowers pilots to make timely decisions, ensuring they can navigate safely and efficiently, avoiding congestion and minimizing delays. While other choices present reasonable considerations—waiting for instructions, holding short, or only proceeding under certain visibility conditions—these would not align with the direct instruction given by ground control to taxi to the runway. Ground control’s clearance indicates that the pilot is expected to initiate the taxi process towards the runway, highlighting the importance of clarity and decisiveness in air traffic operations.