At a towered airport, how should you proceed while taxiing?

At a towered airport, the correct procedure for taxiing is to follow the instructions given by the air traffic controller. This is crucial for maintaining safety and efficiency within the busy environment of a towered airport, where multiple aircraft are often moving on the ground simultaneously.

The controller provides specific taxi clearances that dictate the route you should take, ensuring that you do not interfere with other aircraft movements or operations on the runway. This structured communication helps to prevent accidents and is essential for compliance with FAA regulations. It also facilitates orderly traffic flow on the airport surface, minimizing delays for all aircraft involved.

In a towered environment, pilots are not free to taxi at their own discretion or whenever they feel ready, as these actions could compromise safety and coordination on the airport grounds. Although airport signs also provide guidance and important information, they should be interpreted in conjunction with the clearances given by the controller rather than as standalone directives. Following the controller’s instructions is fundamental to ensuring a safe and organized taxiing process at towered airports.