What is an intermediate holding position?
An intermediate holding position is a point on a taxiway where ATC may hold traffic short of an intersecting taxiway. It is shown by a single broken yellow line across the pavement and three yellow lights in the surface.
An intermediate holding position is a point on a taxiway, short of an intersecting taxiway, where ATC may require an aircraft or vehicle to stop and wait. It is used to sequence traffic and keep aircraft clear of one another at a junction, rather than to protect a runway. Where it is marked at the intersection of two paved taxiways, Annex 14 places it across the taxiway at sufficient distance from the near edge of the intersecting taxiway to ensure safe clearance between aircraft taxiing on each.
On the surface it is a single broken yellow line across the taxiway, deliberately lighter than the multi-line runway holding position pattern. Where lighting is provided (Annex 14 requires it where the position is used in runway visual range below 350 m and no stop bar is installed), intermediate holding position lights repeat the message: three fixed, unidirectional yellow lights set symmetrically about the taxiway centreline and at right angles to it, visible only to traffic approaching the position. The green centreline continues through the point, so an intermediate holding position is a hold the controller applies on request, not a closed gate. Where a stop bar is used at one, it is the red stop bar described in Stop Bar Lights entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is an intermediate holding position?
A point on a taxiway, not at a runway, where ATC may require an aircraft or vehicle to stop and hold, typically short of an intersecting taxiway, to sequence traffic or keep aircraft clear of one another.
Q2How is an intermediate holding position shown?
By a single broken yellow line painted across the taxiway and, where provided, by intermediate holding position lights: three fixed, unidirectional yellow lights set symmetrically across the taxiway centreline.
Q3How does it differ from a runway holding position?
A runway holding position protects a runway and uses a pattern of two solid and two dashed lines, a white-on-red mandatory sign and often a stop bar. An intermediate holding position protects a taxiway junction and is shown by a lighter single broken line with yellow, not red, lights.
Q4Where is the marking placed?
Across the taxiway at sufficient distance from the near edge of the intersecting taxiway to ensure safe clearance between aircraft taxiing on each. Confirm the distance against Annex 14 and local requirements.
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