Ground control must obtain approval from which entity before authorizing an aircraft or vehicle to cross or use any portion of an active runway?

Ground control must obtain approval from which entity before authorizing an aircraft or vehicle to cross or use any portion of an active runway?

• A. Tower
• B. Local control
• C. Airport Manager
• D. Ground Operations

Answer: (B)

Crossing an active runway requires coordination with the controller who has authority over the runway environment. Ground control cannot authorize a vehicle or airplane to cross a runway on its own because an aircraft may be on final approach, taking off, or already occupying the runway. Local control oversees the active runway and surrounding airfield movements, and it’s their responsibility to assess the traffic situation and issue a crossing clearance if it’s safe. This ensures safe separation between ground movements and air traffic, preventing collisions with approaching or departing aircraft. While in many airports the local controller is the same person as the tower operator, the important point is that the authority to approve any runway crossing rests with the runway-controlling controller.

Crossing an active runway requires coordination with the controller who has authority over the runway environment. Ground control cannot authorize a vehicle or airplane to cross a runway on its own because an aircraft may be on final approach, taking off, or already occupying the runway. Local control oversees the active runway and surrounding airfield movements, and it’s their responsibility to assess the traffic situation and issue a crossing clearance if it’s safe. This ensures safe separation between ground movements and air traffic, preventing collisions with approaching or departing aircraft. While in many airports the local controller is the same person as the tower operator, the important point is that the authority to approve any runway crossing rests with the runway-controlling controller.