Understanding Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO) in Aviation: Procedures, Challenges, and Safety Guidelines

wifiCFI
Aug 1
4 min read

Land and Hold Short Operations, commonly known as LAHSO, are specialized aviation procedures designed to increase runway efficiency and airport capacity. While LAHSO provides valuable operational flexibility, it requires precise understanding, careful execution, and strict adherence to regulations to maintain safety standards.

In this blog, we'll examine in detail what LAHSO entails, its operational considerations, pilot and controller responsibilities, safety concerns, as well as best practices for effective use.

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What Are Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO)?

LAHSO procedures involve clearing an aircraft to land on a runway and stop short of an intersecting runway, taxiway, or designated hold-short point. This approach allows simultaneous operations on intersecting runways, boosting airport capacity, especially during busy periods.

However, the success and safety of LAHSO depend heavily on precise coordination between air traffic controllers (ATC) and pilots, clear communication, and pilots' understanding of their own aircraft performance limitations.

LAHSO Operational Considerations and Requirements

Aircraft Performance Limitations

Before accepting a LAHSO clearance, pilots must assess the following performance-related factors:

Aircraft Landing Distance: Pilots must ensure their aircraft can safely stop within the available landing distance, considering current weather, runway surface, aircraft weight, and performance characteristics.
Wind Conditions: Headwinds, crosswinds, and tailwinds significantly influence landing rollout distances.
Runway Surface Conditions: Dry, wet, or contaminated runway surfaces (e.g., snow or ice) drastically affect stopping capability.

Weather Minimums for LAHSO

The FAA prescribes specific weather minimums to conduct LAHSO safely:

Minimum Ceiling: Generally no lower than 1,000 feet.
Minimum Visibility: Usually at least 3 statute miles.

When weather conditions deteriorate below these thresholds, LAHSO operations are suspended for safety reasons.

Pilot and Controller Responsibilities in LAHSO

Pilot Responsibilities

Understanding the Clearance: Pilots must fully comprehend and explicitly accept or decline a LAHSO clearance. Acknowledging a clearance implies understanding the responsibility to stop safely before the designated hold-short point.
Operational Awareness: Continuously assessing aircraft performance and environmental conditions to ensure compliance.
Right to Decline: Pilots always retain the right to decline LAHSO clearances if they're uncertain about their aircraft's ability to safely perform the operation.

Controller Responsibilities

Clear Communication: Controllers must clearly issue LAHSO clearances, specifying runway, hold-short location, and landing distances available.
Maintaining Safety Margins: Controllers must always ensure appropriate separation is maintained and anticipate contingencies if an aircraft cannot comply.
Situational Awareness: Controllers monitor closely and are ready to coordinate alternative solutions if safety becomes compromised.

Accepting or Declining LAHSO Clearances

A LAHSO clearance is voluntary. Pilots should carefully consider:

Aircraft landing performance limitations.
Pilot experience and comfort with LAHSO procedures.
Weather, visibility, runway surface condition, and wind conditions.
Operational familiarity with the specific airport layout.

If uncertainty exists about aircraft capability or the operational environment, the pilot should decline the LAHSO clearance without hesitation.

Potential Risks and Safety Concerns of LAHSO

LAHSO, while advantageous, involves risks if improperly executed:

Runway Incursions: Misjudging the landing rollout distance could result in crossing a hold-short line unintentionally.
Pilot Error or Miscommunication: Misunderstanding or miscommunication can cause serious safety hazards.
Inadequate Braking Capability: Wet or contaminated runways can compromise braking performance, potentially causing overruns.

Safety Best Practices for LAHSO Operations

To effectively mitigate risk, pilots and controllers must adopt best practices:

For Pilots:

Conduct thorough pre-landing assessments, considering landing distance, runway condition, and wind components.
Clearly understand the specific LAHSO hold-short point before accepting a clearance.
Use standardized phraseology to explicitly acknowledge or decline the LAHSO clearance (e.g., "Unable LAHSO" if declining).
Remain vigilant during the landing rollout, preparing for maximum braking if needed.

For Controllers:

Provide explicit information to pilots, including runway in use, the hold-short point, and available landing distance.
Confirm pilot acceptance of the clearance explicitly.
Be prepared with alternate procedures in case an aircraft cannot comply with a LAHSO clearance.

Regulatory Guidance for LAHSO

In the United States, FAA Advisory Circular AC 91-79A and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) provide comprehensive guidelines on LAHSO. Pilots and controllers should routinely review these documents to remain current with regulations and best practices.

LAHSO and Student Pilots

Student pilots or pilots unfamiliar with LAHSO procedures should decline clearances until properly trained and comfortable with performance calculations and procedures. Flight instructors play a crucial role in training students about LAHSO, including aircraft performance limitations, clearances, and pilot/controller interactions.

Conclusion

Land and Hold Short Operations significantly increase runway efficiency and airport capacity. However, their safe execution depends on pilot judgment, controller vigilance, and rigorous adherence to performance considerations and regulatory guidance. Pilots must always prioritize safety and maintain confidence in their aircraft’s capability and their own readiness before accepting LAHSO clearances.

Proper understanding, ongoing training, clear communication, and standardized procedures are essential to conducting LAHSO safely, effectively enhancing airport operations while ensuring aviation safety remains paramount.

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