SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-explicit-runway-crossing

At a towered airport, your taxi route crosses a runway. What do you need before crossing it?

An explicit clearance to cross that runway.

Start playing free

  1. Nothing, a taxi clearance covers it
  2. Just a look both ways
  3. An explicit runway crossing clearance ✔

Why: The AIM says ATC issues an explicit clearance for every runway crossing. Being told to taxi to a runway does not let you enter or cross any runway on the way unless ATC says so.

Huh, didn't know that: ATC does not use the word cleared when giving taxi instructions, to avoid confusion with takeoff clearances.

The dad joke
Why did the airplane stop at the runway? It was waiting for the walk signal.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: An explicit runway crossing clearance. The AIM says ATC issues an explicit clearance for every runway crossing. Being told to taxi to a runway does not let you enter or cross any runway on the way unless ATC says so.

  1. AIM Chapter 4 Section 3, Airport Operations www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap4_section_3.html
    ATC will issue an explicit clearance for all runway crossings.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Flying & DronesOn an airport diagram, what is a hot spot?Flying & DronesWhen should taxi-time checklists be completed, per the FAA?Flying & DronesWhat colors are on a taxiway location sign, the one that tells you which taxiway you are on?

That's stuff everyone should know.