New Taxi Into Position and Hold Rules

Some of you might have noticed a change this past February regarding Taxi Into Position and Hold (TIPH) procedures used by air traffic controllers.

While air traffic rules are slightly different at each ATC facility, due to local procedures, waivers, etc. Smaller airports, such as Flying Cloud and Crystal, have largely similar procedures. A controller will only allow an aircraft to taxi into position and hold when the local control position (tower frequency) is not consolidated with any other non-local control position. In layman's terms, this means that at Flying Cloud and Crystal, when we have periods of low traffic volume, such as in marginal VFR weather or late at night, we cannot give pilots a TIPH clearance. This is because air traffic control positions are usually combined at these times, i.e. one controller is working both local control and ground control.

For TIPH to be allowed at Flying Cloud, we need a minimum 2 person/2 position operation and also have an operational need for using this procedure. We must consider capacity, runway configuration, weather, efficiency, and whether or not the operation would improve safety.

Below is a recap of the new rules regarding TIPH:

• Controllers may not issue a clearance to an aircraft requesting a full stop, touch and go, stop and go, option, or unrestricted low approach to the same runway with an aircraft holding in position until the aircraft in position starts its takeoff roll
• We may not clear an aircraft to TIPH if an aircraft has been cleared to land, touch and go, option or unrestricted low approach on the same runway

In other words, if an airplane has been cleared to land on the runway, the runway is then closed for TIPH purposes until that aircraft lands. The opposite is also true - if there is an aircraft in position on the runway, we may not issue any landing clearances for that runway. This, however, does not apply to runway crossings, or clearing aircraft for takeoff without putting them in position first.

• When TIPH is being utilized, we must inform the pilot of the aircraft holding in position of the closest traffic requesting a full stop, touch and go, stop and go, option, or unrestricted low approach to the same runway
• When utilizing TIPH on runways that intersect, we must exchange traffic information between that aircraft and the aircraft that is authorized to depart or arrive on the intersecting runway

TIPH is not authorized:

• At an intersection between sunset and sunrise
• For more than one aircraft at the same time for the same runway
• Simultaneously on intersecting runways
• When awaiting release for an IFR departure from MSP Departure Control

I hope this helps clear up some of the confusion among pilots regarding the new TIPH rules. On your next flight, when you're waiting for departure and wondering why the controller did not put you in position, remember that we are playing by new rules. We are doing everything we can to expedite your departure, while still following the new procedures.

Safe Flying!
Sara Cape (FCM Air Traffic Controller)