FAA Ground School Practice Test

What may the portion of the runway identified by the letter A in the airport diagram be used for?

1. Landing only

2. Taxi and takeoff

3. Only for emergency landings

4. Holding patterns

The correct answer is: Taxi and takeoff

The portion of the runway identified in the airport diagram as indicated by the letter A can be used for both taxi and takeoff. This classification implies that the area is designed to accommodate aircraft movements related to departing flights, including the necessary movement on the ground prior to takeoff. In airport operations, certain sections of runways or taxiways are specifically designated for these purposes to ensure that aircraft can safely maneuver to and from the runway. This designation is essential for maintaining smooth operations and ensuring safety in busy airports: when aircraft are taxiing, they are moving towards the runway to prepare for their takeoff, and this area is likewise safe to facilitate that activity. The other options present more limited uses, which do not encapsulate the broader operational capabilities of the area. While emergency landings, for example, are vital for safeguarding during unforeseen circumstances, they do not reflect the routine functionality of an area meant for both taxiing and taking off.