Understanding taxi instructions.

[captainphil]

As you all know im a student pilot so im not as experienced as you guys.But after you contact the ground and they say for example taxi to hold short rwy 19 via taxiway Alpha 1 Bravo 2, I know how to read the taxiway signs such as black on yellow is the crossing taxiway and yellow on black is the taxiway your on, but how do you off the top of your head know where to go , id have to look at a chart, but it'd take me forever to understand.

[KBUF]

Taxi diagrams from AOPA.com, A/FD (or anywhere you can find up to date ones) are what you need. At your home airport, it will become natural, but at unfamiliar ones, study the diagram before going out...get in the habit of carrying a taxi diagram to every airport.

[chipdouglas]

Or if you're really desperate/lost you can tell ATC you're a student pilot and request progressive taxi.

[SoFlo]

As mentioned, if you dont have a clue or you are just confused, dont be afraid to ask for help. Usually they will get you to where you need to go.

[ajf005]

The easiest way is to look at an airport diagram and figure out where you are on the airport and which runway is active then you can kind of see where you will be going before you contact ground.

[UND_Flyer]

Originally Posted by captainphil

As you all know im a student pilot so im not as experienced as you guys.But after you contact the ground and they say for example taxi to hold short rwy 19 via taxiway Alpha 1 Bravo 2, I know how to read the taxiway signs such as black on yellow is the crossing taxiway and yellow on black is the taxiway your on, but how do you off the top of your head know where to go , id have to look at a chart, but it'd take me forever to understand.

I'd recommend writing down the taxi instructions, then look at the airport diagram and follow the taxiway(s) to the assigned runway. Draw it out if you have to. If you are still unsure or lost, ASK the controller for help! You'll get the hang of it eventually. Have fun

[ComplexHiAv8r]

Originally Posted by UND_Flyer

I'd recommend writing down the taxi instructions, then look at the airport diagram and follow the taxiway(s) to the assigned runway. Draw it out if you have to. If you are still unsure or lost, ASK the controller for help! You'll get the hang of it eventually. Have fun

Also make sure you listen to ATIS for any closed taxiways. I got a call to taxi to 23 the other day and the taxiway was closed (easy to tell, the DL RJ was parked there). I just confirmed the 3 taxiway detour around it before I did it.

[rausda27]

Fly in and out of LGA or IAH and you will learn the importance of an airport diagram.

[LostComm]

Originally Posted by chipdouglas

Or if you're really desperate/lost you can tell ATC you're a student pilot and request progressive taxi.

Heck, I'm a CFII/ATP and I ask for progressive!
-LC

[naunga]

Well the truth is it takes repetition, but really that only applies for your home airport.

Like the others said listen to stuff on ATIS that would impact taxi and write down the instructions.

The other tip that you don't learn right away: most towers don't require you read back the entire instruction.

So let's say you get: taxi to runway 19 via J, A, hold short of C for passing traffic, continue on D.

If you say "roger, taxi to runway 19 cessna 129F" you should be okay.

Why? Because chances are you can't taxi any way other than the way they gave you, and since you're a student by the time you get to C the traffic will be passed and not a factor.

Naunga

[KBUF]

I think you are required to read back all hold short instructions. If I am wrong and it is not required per se, its a good idea to anyway...that, and if you don't some controllers get sort of bent.

[mastermags]

Originally Posted by chipdouglas

Or if you're really desperate/lost you can tell ATC you're a student pilot and request progressive taxi.

Not just student pilots. I see guys in Gulfstreams and Citations do it all the time at PDK.

[Airdale]

Originally Posted by KBUF

I think you are required to read back all hold short instructions. If I am wrong and it is not required per se, its a good idea to anyway...that, and if you don't some controllers get sort of bent.

Yes, you are required to read back all hold short instructions, so in the previous example when told to hold short at C for crossing traffic, than your response would be something like " Taxi to 19 hold short at Charlie for traffic. Cessna 129 foxtrot". They won't get mad if you don't read back word for word, but make sure you definitely read back hold short instructions, thats mandatory by the FARs.

As far as not knowing where to go, I know the feeling. 75hrs of x/c with another student at ATP into different airports got complicated sometimes with taxi layouts. I've found it best to open up an airport diagram while enroute to your destination, just before you break out the approach checklist. Listen to atis, know where you want to taxi and pretty much plan on them giving you the most direct route. I usually incorporated a quick look at the airport diagram in with my field briefing, then left the diagram within easy reach. Haven't had a problem with it since I've used this method. Always try to stay ahead of the airplane, even on the ground.

[Gonzo]

Originally Posted by mastermags

Not just student pilots. I see guys in Gulfstreams and Citations do it all the time at PDK.

I hated when they are using the 20s and these jerks asked for progressive from signature.( Clogs up Ground) Do you know why we have to announce run up complete at PDK. It is the only airport I know that does this.

[mastermags]

Originally Posted by Gonzo

I hated when they are using the 20s and these jerks asked for progressive from signature.( Clogs up Ground) Do you know why we have to announce run up complete at PDK. It is the only airport I know that does this.

I guess simply to save space on the tower frequency. That's why they always have us to moniter the tower instead of contacting them.

[captainphil]

Thank you all for your replys im going to study the diagram for republic, I am either at the echo ramp or parked at nassau flyers when i go flying. so ill find those on the diagrams and listen to the atis for the rwy in use then figure out how to start taxiing there.