Aero-Tips!
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Aero-Tips 11.21.06
"November 329 Papa Tango, you're cleared to land runway 19
Right, land and hold short of runway 14."
Evidently someone has been cleared to land or take off from the
cross runway. You're job is to land and come to a complete stop
before crossing onto Runway 14. If you accept the Land and Hold
Short clearance, what exactly are you obligated to do?
LAHSO
Air Traffic Controllers have been directing Land and Hold Short
Operations (LAHSO) since 1968. Until July 17, 1997, LAHSOs were
conducted to intersecting runways only and that procedure was
referred to as Simultaneous Operations on Intersecting Runways
(SOIR). Prior to July 17, 1997, there were a few locations that
were authorized to land and hold short of a taxiway or approach
path.
Occasionally, LAHSO clearances have been refused by the pilot
and the refusal has been questioned by the controller. Please
remember that the pilot is directly responsible for, and is the
final authority concerning, the operation of an aircraft, and
depending on several variables, may not be able to accept this type
of clearance.
When LAHSOs are expected an announcement will be made on the
Automatic Terminal Information System (ATIS). Otherwise pilots
shall be advised on initial contact or as soon as practicable
thereafter to expect a LAHSO clearance.
Pilot actions
When cleared to land and hold short of an intersecting runway,
taxiway or an approach path to a non-intersecting runway, the pilot
in command must evaluate his/her ability to touch down and stop
before the restriction -- there is no "oops, I landed a little hot"
allowed where conflicting traffic is concerned. Then the pilot must
either:
- Accept the clearance, and responsibility to perform as
prescribed; or
- Decline the clearance, informing ATC as soon as possible that
you're unable to comply.
Slow to the appropriate landing speed using the optimum flap
configuration and braking as necessary to stop in time. If you
float or land longer than expected, power up and go around, being
careful to safely lift off before the crossing restriction point.
If you have any doubt about being able to set down accurately and
stop in time, decline the LAHSO clearance.
Aero-tip of the day: Know the very serious
responsibility of accepting a LAHSO clearance.