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Airport operationsQuestion 220 of 934

ATC says, "Line up and wait." What does this instruction mean?

  1. Enter the runway and wait; it is not a clearance
  2. The airplane is cleared for takeoff after a short delay
  3. Hold short of the runway until further notice
  4. Taxi across the runway to the other side
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Correct answer: Enter the runway and wait; it is not a clearance

"Line up and wait" is only a clearance to enter the runway and hold in position for takeoff.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 14: Airport Operations — ATC Instructions — "Line Up and Wait" (LUAW), page 368

Practice airport operations

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026