Holding Point
A designated location on the airside where aircraft or vehicles must stop and await clearance before entering the runway or other controlled area.
Full Definition
A holding point is marked with specific painted markings on the taxiway surface (runway holding position markings) and accompanied by signage and, at some airports, stop bars. Aircraft stop at holding points to await take-off clearance from air traffic control or to yield to landing aircraft. Vehicles operating airside must also comply with holding point stop bars. Editors should distinguish between 'holding point' (the marked stop position) and 'holding area' or 'holding bay' (a paved area where aircraft queue away from the runway). The term is standardised by ICAO; the FAA equivalent is 'runway hold short point.'
Usage
Usage note: Do not confuse with 'holding bay,' which is a larger paved area for queuing aircraft, not the specific stop line before a runway.
In Context
- "The crew stopped at the Runway 09 holding point and awaited take-off clearance from the tower." — Incident investigation narrative
- "Stop bar lights at the holding point must be red when the runway is active." — Aerodrome lighting specification