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AA.II.D.R4FAA-S-ACS-11A · Nov 2023Risk management

Low visibility taxi and sailing operations.

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Low visibility taxi and sailing operations.

Bottom line

Low visibility conditions increase the risk of a runway incursion. During certain low visibility conditions, the movement of aircraft and vehicles on airports may not be visible to the tower controller, which may prevent visual confirmation of an aircraft's adherence to taxi instructions. When low visibility conditions exist, pilots should focus their entire attention on the safe operation of the aircraft while it is moving; checklists and nonessential communication should be withheld until the aircraft is stopped and the brakes set.

FAA references

  1. AIM 4-3-19 (Taxi During Low Visibility) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  2. AC 91-73, para. 7g — AC No: 91-73B
  3. RMH ch. 6 (p. 6-3) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  4. AIM 4-3-20 (Standard Taxi Routes) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  5. AIM 2-3-4 (Taxiway Markings) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  6. AC 91-73, paras. 7b, 7d — AC No: 91-73B
  7. AC 120-74, para. 7b — AC No: 120-74B
  8. SEA ch. 4 (p. 4-9) — FAA-H-8083-23
  9. PHAK ch. 14 (p. 14-32) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
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