Progressive Taxi
Definition
Progressive taxi is a type of step-by-step taxi instruction provided by Air Traffic Control (ATC) or Aerodrome Information Service (AFIS) to assist pilots in navigating the aerodrome surface, especially when the pilot is unfamiliar, confused, or operating in low visibility conditions. Instead of giving the entire taxi route at once, the controller gives incremental instructions and may issue the next segment only after the aircraft reaches a certain point.
Purpose
- Prevent taxiing errors and runway incursions
- Assist pilots in complex or unfamiliar layouts
- Improve safety in poor visibility or during night operations
- Support student pilots, foreign operators, or general aviation traffic
When to Request or Expect Progressive Taxi
| Scenario | Example |
|---|---|
| Unfamiliar airport | “Request progressive taxi, unfamiliar with layout.” |
| Low visibility or at night | “Unable to identify taxiway signs.” |
| Language barriers | Non-native English speakers needing clearer guidance |
| Busy or complex apron | Congested parking ramps or multiple intersections |
Phraseology Examples
| Pilot Request | Controller Response |
|---|---|
| “Linz Ground, OE-ABC, request progressive taxi to holding point runway 09.” | “OE-ABC, taxi straight ahead, I will call next instructions.” |
| “Wien Ground, D-EFGH, progressive taxi please, unfamiliar with airport.” | “Taxi via Bravo to holding point runway 29, turn right at next intersection, then hold short.” |
ATC/AFIS may say:
- “Taxi ahead on Bravo, I will advise when to turn.”
- “Turn right onto Alpha, then stop before crossing.”
- “Hold position, expect further taxi instructions shortly.”
Pilot Responsibilities
- ✅ Clearly state “request progressive taxi” if needed
- ✅ Read back each instruction before acting
- ✅ Use airport charts to maintain awareness
- ✅ Follow visual signs, markings, and lighting in parallel with instructions
When Progressive Taxi Is Not Available
- ❌ At non-towered aerodromes without ground guidance
- ❌ When frequency congestion prevents detailed instructions
- ❌ If the controller is managing high workload, they may respond: “Unable progressive taxi at this time, advise intentions.”
Benefits
- ✅ Reduces risk of wrong turns or incursions
- ✅ Supports pilot confidence and situational awareness
- ✅ Useful in training scenarios and checkrides
- ✅ Standard feature in LearnATC taxi simulation modules
Tips for Pilots
- Don’t hesitate to ask — safety is the priority
- Use progressive taxi as a learning opportunity
- Combine visual scanning with verbal instructions
- Practice with digital charts or taxi diagrams ahead of time