Exiting Runway After Landing

AIM ¶ 4-3-21 Exiting Runway After Landing

AIM 4-3-21 explains runway exit procedures after landing: clearing the hold short line, ATC coordination, and ground control handoff. Study guide for pilots.

In Plain English

After landing and slowing to taxi speed, AIM 4-3-21 lays out exactly how to clear the runway safely and legally. Key points every student pilot should know:

  • Exit without delay at the first available taxiway, or as instructed by ATC.
  • Do not exit onto another runway unless ATC authorizes it.
  • At towered airports, do not stop or reverse course on the runway without ATC approval.
  • An aircraft is clear of the runway only when all parts of the aircraft are past the runway holding position markings (hold short lines) — not just past the runway edge.
  • If you have no ATC instructions, taxi past the hold short line even if it means protruding into another taxiway or ramp, then hold and await further instructions.
  • Switch to ground control only when the tower advises, then request a taxi clearance.
  • A taxi-to-parking clearance does not authorize you to enter or cross any runway — a separate clearance is required.

This guidance is an integral part of the landing clearance and satisfies 14 CFR 91.129. If you're unfamiliar with the airport, request progressive taxi instructions from ATC.

AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 4-3-21
4-3-21. 4-3-21. Exiting the Runway After Landing The following procedures must be followed after landing and reaching taxi speed. Exit the runway without delay at the first available taxiway or on a taxiway as instructed by ATC. Pilots must not exit the landing runway onto another runway unless authorized by ATC. At airports with an operating control tower, pilots should not stop or reverse course on the runway without first obtaining ATC approval. Taxi clear of the runway unless otherwise directed by ATC. An aircraft is considered clear of the runway when all parts of the aircraft are past the runway edge and there are no restrictions to its continued movement beyond the runway holding position markings. In the absence of ATC instructions, the pilot is expected to taxi clear of the landing runway by taxiing beyond the runway holding position markings associated with the landing runway, even if that requires the aircraft to protrude into or cross another taxiway or ramp area. Once all parts of the aircraft have crossed the runway holding position markings, the pilot must hold unless further instructions have been issued by ATC. NOTE- The tower will issue the pilot instructions which will permit the aircraft to enter another taxiway, runway, or ramp area when required. Guidance contained in subparagraphs a and b above is considered an integral part of the landing clearance and satisfies the requirement of 14 CFR section 91.129. Immediately change to ground control frequency when advised by the tower and obtain a taxi clearance. NOTE- The tower will issue instructions required to resolve any potential conflictions with other ground traffic prior to advising the pilot to contact ground control. Ground control will issue taxi clearance to parking. That clearance does not authorize the aircraft to “enter” or “cross” any runways. Pilots not familiar with the taxi route should request specific taxi instructions from ATC.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1When is an aircraft officially considered clear of the runway after landing?
Per AIM 4-3-21, an aircraft is clear of the runway when all parts of the aircraft are past the runway holding position markings (hold short line), with no restrictions to its continued movement beyond those markings — not merely past the runway edge.
Q2After clearing the runway at a towered airport, when should you switch to ground control?
Per AIM 4-3-21, pilots should immediately change to ground control frequency only when advised by the tower, and then obtain a taxi clearance. The tower resolves any ground traffic conflicts before handing you off.
Q3Does a taxi clearance to parking authorize you to cross a runway along the way?
No. Per AIM 4-3-21, a ground control taxi clearance to parking does not authorize the aircraft to enter or cross any runways. A separate, specific clearance is required to enter or cross a runway.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 4
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AIM 4-3-21 — Exiting the Runway After Landing