On July 30, 2012, FAA issued Advisory Circular (AC) 120-74B, Parts 91, 121, 125, and 135 Flightcrew Procedures During Taxi Operations. The revised AC cancels AC 120-74A, dated September 26, 2003. AC 120-74B focuses on the development and use of mitigation procedures that can be used to avoid a runway incursion. The AC also provides guidelines for developing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOP) for conducting safe aircraft operations during taxiing.
As noted in the AC, increased traffic and expansion at many airports create complex runway and taxiway layouts, resulting in complexity and making airport surface operations more difficult and the potential for runway incursions more hazardous than in the past. AC 120-74B includes guidelines that expand on the guidance in SAFO 11004, Runway Incursion Prevention Actions. These guidelines are grouped in seven major categories: Planning, Situational Awareness, Written Taxi Instructions, Verbal Communication, ATC Communications, Taxi, and Exterior Lighting
The FAA recommends that its guidelines become an integral part of all SOPs, flight operations manuals (FOM), and formal flightcrew member training programs. While the AC is not mandatory guidance, the FAA emphasizes that flightcrew SOPs should be used during all phases of flight, including ground operations. Appendices 1 and 2 of the AC contain examples of SOPs that are identical or similar to SOPs currently in use. FAA recognizes that SOPs may vary among operators and may change over time. However, operators may integrate the information contained in Appendices into their fleet-specific, route-specific, and equipment-specific operations and checklists.
AC 120-74B is intended for operations with two or more pilots on the flight deck. Single pilot operations under part 91 and 135 should refer to revised AC 91-73B Part 91, Part 135 Single-Pilot, Flight School Procedures During Taxi Operations, which was also published on July 30, 2012.
If you have any questions regarding the guidance in the revised AC, please contact our office.