Which action best describes maintaining safe spacing when traffic is heavy on the taxi route?

• A. Speed up the taxiing to clear congestion
• B. Acknowledge and provide a revised route if possible to ensure safe spacing
• C. Stop all aircraft until the path is clear
• D. Allow pilots to self-separate based on visual cues

Answer: (B)

When traffic on the taxi route is heavy, the key idea is to keep airplanes well separated through careful coordination. The best action is for the controller to acknowledge the congestion and provide a revised taxi route if possible to maintain safe spacing. By guiding aircraft along an alternate path or adjusting their taxi sequence, controllers prevent bunching, reduce the chance of conflicts at intersections, and keep ground movement flowing smoothly and safely.

Rushing planes to hurry them through can reduce spacing and raise the risk of contact or near-misses. Stopping all aircraft until the path clears creates unnecessary delays and isn’t practical for busy operations. Letting pilots self-separate based on looking out the window is unreliable on the ground, where precise positions and clear instructions from ground control are essential for safety.