How to read back a hold-short instruction

Hold-short instructions are safety-critical and must be read back verbatim, including the runway. Here's exactly how.

Always read it back — with the runway

Per AIM 4-3-18, any runway hold-short instruction must be read back, including the runway number. "Hold short of runway two six" → "Hold short of runway two six, Cessna One Two Three Four Five."

Why it matters

Runway incursions are among the most serious GA errors. Reading the hold-short back verbatim confirms you and the controller share the same plan.

Common mistake

Reading back the taxi route but dropping the hold-short, or saying "roger" instead of repeating it. Neither is acceptable — say the words.

Practice this with instant grading — free, no mic required.

Start a scenario →