FlyCurrentFLYCURRENT
AA.II.C.R2FAA-S-ACS-11A · Nov 2023Risk management

Confirmation or expectation bias as related to taxi instructions.

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Confirmation or expectation bias as related to taxi instructions.

Bottom line

Pilots familiar with a particular airport who routinely receive the same taxi clearance may be more susceptible to this error. Flightcrews need to follow the clearance or instructions that are actually received, and not the ones they expected to receive.

FAA references

  1. AFH ch. 2 (p. 2-19) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  2. RMH ch. 6 (pp. 6-2–6-3) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  3. 14 CFR 91.123 (Compliance with ATC clearances and instructions.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
  4. AC 91-73, para. 7g — AC No: 91-73B
  5. AC 120-74, paras. 7b, 7e — AC No: 120-74B
  6. AIM 4-3-18 (Taxiing) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  7. PHAK ch. 14 (p. 14-31) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
Members lesson

Build understanding you can use

Unlock the full lesson and continue studying this element.

  • Full teaching sections: Hazard; How it shows up; Decision rules; Mitigations; The hazard
  • Check your understanding with answers you can reveal
View membership options