Backtrack clearance after landing

[Levelmind]

Hello,

My question is: Do you need to receive a backtrack clearance after landing, when backtrack is required?

Because if I'm cleared to land, the runway should be free for me (?), so shouldn't I be allowed to backtrack without a explicit ATC clearance or is that not the case?

Thanks.

[NudgingSteel]

I think you are correct, especially if the backtrack is required (if there are no available exits beyond your stopping point). Certainly in the UK, and many other parts of the world, once you have been given a clearance to land, the runway's yours until vacating - it can't be used for another movement. It should therefore be in the airport's (and ATCO's) interest for you to vacate as soon as possible and if there's only one point to vacate at, I'd expect you to backtrack when ready.

The only exception I can think of might relate to a single runway access point: the ATCO might want you to hold beyond that point so the next departure could enter and backtrack in front of you, to increase expedition. I'd hope the ATCO would let you know ASAP if that was going to be required, to enable your planning...

[Crazy Voyager]

If I end up in this type of situation (which luckily is rarely where I work) then I will clarify this on final approach, ie "continue approach, expect 180 and backtrack" or "vacate at A" or similar.

If in doubt ask, preferably as early as possible. If it's more of a general question you don't want to do on the RT then grab the phone number to the tower and give them a ring and ask.

Also some airports have published procedures in the AIP so have a look there too, for example I believe London City still have an AIP note saying on runway 09, after landing 180 backtrack to vacate at D, so do not vacate into the loop at the end.

[fujii]

I don't know about the rest of the world but a clearance is required in Australia. Vehicles may have entered the runway behind you. There may be a crossing runway behind you on which there may be an aircraft operating. There aren't holding points marked on runways. What would happen if you backtracked without clearance? After finishing your landing roll in the runway direction, you become a taxiing aircraft subject to appropriate clearances/instructions.

[kcockayne]

All of these points are correct, depending on individual circumstances. In such occurances, I would expect ATC to pre-empt the situation & issue timely clearances, & for the pilot to seek confirmation if this had not already occurred.

[chevvron]

There may also be further landing traffic behind you so as has been said earlier, the controller may need you to taxy ahead to a holding bay before backtracking.

[ZOOKER]

A landing on 23L at EGCC is a similar scenario to the one Levelmind envisages. Hopefully, someone from there will spot this and tell us how they handle it?