AI.V.D.R2FAA-S-ACS-25 · 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. Pilots 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 (p. 6-3) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  3. RMH ch. 6 (pp. 6-2–6-3) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  4. AC 91-73, paras. 7b, 7d — AC No: 91-73B
  5. PHAK ch. 14 (p. 14-33) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  6. AC 91-73, para. 7g — AC No: 91-73B
  7. AIM 4-3-18 (Taxiing) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
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