"Hold Short - What pilot's are doing Wrong"

"Hold Short - What pilot's are doing Wrong"

In the image on the right you can see what all pilot's know. It's the hold short lines that are pavement markings at entry points to a runway.

The two solid lines facing away from the runway mean that an Air Traffic Control (ATC) Clearance is required before crossing them.

The two dashed lines on the runway side of the hold short lines mean that the pilot does not need an ATC clearance to cross them this way.

Now what I've said above is probably not news to any pilot or student pilot but what comes next may be real news to you.

I've been noticing that some pilots taxi up to the hold short lines and stop with the propeller just behind the two yellow lines. If they are taxiing straight up to the hold short line 90 degrees to the runway this usually doesn't cause a problem.

The problem occurs when the pilot is taxiing from a parallel taxiway and approaches the hold short lines from the side. In this case if the pilot turns toward the runway on the taxiway centerline and places the propeller close to the hold short lines then the wing will be over the hold short lines.

It's critical to know that no part of the airplane can be over the hold short lines.

If this happens then the controller will report a pilot deviation to the local FAA office for further investigation of the pilot and his/her training. This means at a minimum a telephone interview and counseling with an FAA inspector. In a fair number of cases the pilot is re evaluated (Takes a checkride with an inspector) for the pilot certificate he/she holds or the pilot certificate is suspended until the retest is done.

I've noticed this happening at several airports around the San Francisco Bay area. Controllers aren't noticing it yet but it's only a matter of time.

So be sure that NO PART of the airplane is over the solid yellow lines and you'll be just FINE.....

By the way. There is a cool project underway by a company that does 3D type markings. They are trying to get the marking approved for use with the FAA. Click on the image below to read a little more about it.