Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO) 

Land and Hold Short Operations Background 

Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO) are ATC procedures designed to create a safe way to increase airport capacity. The savings in time and fuel add up when controllers can routinely request this procedure during busy times at the larger airports. Overall system capacity is increased, and efficiency is optimized, but there are many things for pilots to consider before saying yes to the clearance. 

Types of LAHSO Clearances 

When given a clearance to “Land and Hold Short”, there are three options for your hold short restriction. 

1. Intersecting Runway – stop before the intersection of another runway that is in use. 
2. Intersecting taxiway – stop before the intersection of a taxiway that is in use. 
3. Point on Runway – stop before a designated point. This is the newest type of clearance and is used when safety precautions are needed due to hazards like ice on the runway. 

Preparation 

The best time to consider a Land and Hold Short restriction is on the ground, before beginning the flight. The second-best time is when listening to ATIS 15 minutes before landing. The worst time is when the tower controller asks if you can hold short when you are already on final and cannot possibly do the calculations needed to make a legal choice. Here are some suggestions for being totally prepared to safely hold short in a timely manner: 

1. Check the remarks section of the Airport facilities Directory. It will say “See SPECIAL NOTICE- Land and Hold Short Operations”. If yes, review your landing performance numbers. 
2. Review the Airport Landing Distance (ALD) available from the various hold short options. 
3. If the clearance limit is non-standard and you don’t have time to check, ask the controller for the ALD prior to accepting the limitation. 

LAHSO Requirements 

There are several requirements that must be met before a controller can issue a LAHSO clearance and pilots should know what these are. To begin with, controllers must give you advanced notice of the LAHSO operations, either by the ATIS recording or by letting you know when first checking in. The controllers are also obligated to let each pilot involved in the landing restriction know about the other aircraft and its location. Each pilot involved must also acknowledge the controller. In addition: 

• Runways must have the appropriate signs and markings. 

• Appropriate runway lighting must be operable. 

• Appropriate vertical guidance is required, both during the day and at night. 

• The available landing distance must be free from contaminants, such as ice, snow and/or water. 

• The weather at the airport must be at least basic VFR (1000-foot ceiling and 3 miles visibility). 

• The tailwind component must be less than 3 knots. 

Responsibilities 

The Pilot in Command has the final authority to accept or decline a land and hold short clearance, but once it is accepted, it must be adhered to just like any other ATC clearance. The only exceptions are if an emergency occurs or if an amended clearance is received. The pilot must read back the full LAHSO clearance, including the words “Hold short of ….” and should land and exit the runway at the first convenient taxiway, unless directed otherwise. If a rejected landing becomes necessary, the pilot should maintain safe separation from other aircraft and let the controller know as soon as possible. 

Determining Your Landing Distance 

When considering the legality of accepting a LAHSO clearance, the pilot must include a wide variety of factors. To determine if the plane can land and come to a full stop within the ALD, attention must be given to: 

• Aircraft landing weight and the final approach speed to be flown. 

• Airport elevation. 

• Temperature and subsequent density altitude at the airport. 

• Altimeter setting. 

• Wind component (steady or gusty, crosswind, and tailwind less than 3 knots). 

• Runway gradient and slope of ALD. 

• Published Threshold Crossing Height (TCH). A TCH more than 50 feet requires a greater landing distance. 

• Existing runway surface conditions. 

• Aircraft equipment required for landing must be fully operational (Brakes, spoilers, anti-skid etc). 

Land and Hold Short Operations can be done safely and efficiently as long as both the pilots and controllers know the rules and their respective responsibilities. Planning can make the process even smoother, so take a few minutes before your flight to be ready for a restricted landing clearance if necessary. Finally, remember CRM if you are flying as part of a crew- communication is key and can enhance safety many times over.