What should you avoid when issuing taxi instructions?

• A. Clear, direct routing with named taxiways
• B. Mentioning hold-short points explicitly
• C. Providing multiple route options
• D. Ambiguity, vague routing, or references to uncharted or confusing taxiways

Answer: (D)

Clear and unambiguous taxi instructions are essential for safe ground movement. Avoiding ambiguity, vague routing, or references to uncharted or confusing taxiways is crucial because pilots depend on precise, standard routes to know exactly where to go and what to avoid. When instructions are clear and use named taxiways and explicit routing, the likelihood of misinterpretation, wrong turns, or inadvertently entering an active runway drops dramatically. If a hold-short point or a specific clearance is needed, state it clearly so the pilot can read back and confirm. References to unfamiliar or ambiguous taxiways create mental guesswork and increase the risk of off-path excursions or runway incursions, which is why such wording should be avoided.