With the roll out of a new procedure for taxi instructions at towered airports from ATC, it's a good time to review some key elements of good radio communication.

First, let's cover the changes to the taxi instructions.  While the format of the clearance has changed slightly, the important part of the change is clearance to cross runways along your route.   Whether active or inactive it will no longer be implied but always be explicitly included in the clearance.  If the controller doesn't specifically say you are cleared to cross a runway, HOLD SHORT and get further clearance!  Let's see how this works in a clearance to taxi to Runway 25 from Red Baron.

Old format: Cessna 7132Q, taxi to Runway 25 via Hotel. (This clearance implied permission to cross runways 15 Right and 15 Left)

New format: Cessna 7132Q, Runway 25, taxi via Hotel, cross runways 15 Right and 15 Left.

Any instructions to Hold Short of a runway or taxiway must be read back and complied with.  Further clearance must be obtained prior to crossing any runway.  

For additional information click the following link:

http://www.faa.gov/airports/runway_safety/news/current_events/taxi_to/

At non-towered airports it is the PIC's responsibility to ensure that all surface movement is undertaken such that there is no loss of separation from other aircraft, especially those taking off or landing.  Good communication is the key but remain vigilant as other pilots may be operating without radios!