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2.4 Runway Crossings

2.4.1 General

Runway crossings involve aircraft or vehicles entering an active runway and therefore present a significant risk of runway incursion.

The Tower Controller shall ensure that all runway crossings are conducted safely and without conflict with landing or departing aircraft.

2.4.2 Conditions for Crossing Clearance

Before issuing a runway crossing clearance, the Tower Controller shall ensure:

  • No aircraft is taking off
  • No aircraft is landing or on short final
  • No aircraft is lined up or entering the runway
  • The runway is fully protected
  • The crossing can be completed without delay

The controller shall not issue a crossing clearance if:

  • Any doubt exists regarding runway occupancy
  • A landing aircraft is within unsafe proximity
  • A departing aircraft is about to commence take-off

2.4.3 Crossing Clearance

A crossing clearance shall only be issued when the runway is confirmed safe.

The clearance shall include:

  • The specific runway to be crossed
  • Clear and unambiguous instruction

Example Phraseology:

GFA789, cross runway 27, report vacated.

2.4.4 Conditional Crossing Clearances

Conditional clearances may be used for runway crossings where appropriate.

The Tower Controller shall ensure that:

  • The condition is stated first
  • The referenced traffic is clearly identifiable
  • There is no risk of misunderstanding

Conditional crossing clearances shall not be used if traffic complexity or visibility may lead to confusion.

Example Phraseology:

GFA789, after landing traffic, cross runway 27.

The pilot shall not act on the clearance until the condition has been met.

2.4.5 Hold Short Instruction

If the runway is not safe for crossing, the Tower Controller shall issue a hold short instruction.

Example Phraseology:

GFA789, hold short runway 27.

The controller shall ensure that the aircraft or vehicle remains clear of the runway at all times.

2.4.6 After Crossing

The Tower Controller shall ensure that the aircraft or vehicle has fully vacated the runway.

Pilots shall report when clear of the runway where instructed.

Example Phraseology:

GFA789, report vacated.  
GFA789, runway vacated.

The runway shall not be considered clear until confirmation has been received or visual verification is achieved.

2.4.7 Runway Incursion Prevention

The Tower Controller shall actively prevent runway incursions by:

  • Maintaining continuous situational awareness
  • Issuing clear and timely instructions
  • Avoiding ambiguous or complex clearances
  • Monitoring all runway movements

Immediate corrective action shall be taken if a potential incursion is identified.

2.4.8 Key Principle

Runway crossings shall only be authorised when the runway is fully protected.

If there is any doubt regarding:

  • Runway occupancy
  • Aircraft position
  • Separation

The controller shall withhold the clearance until the situation is confirmed safe.