How should you confirm you have the latest runway status from ATC?

• A. Listen to ATC updates; repeat back critical instructions for confirmation; ensure you have clearance.
• B. Ignore updates and proceed.
• C. Ask a colleague for status.
• D. Wait for a full briefing.

Answer: (A)

Actively monitor ATC for the latest runway status and verify you understand what you’re cleared to do. Runway conditions and permissions can change quickly with traffic, weather, or new instructions, so you need to stay current by listening to ATC updates and then confirm you’ve understood them. Repeating back the critical parts of any clearance or instruction is essential — this readback confirms you heard exactly what is intended and helps catch any miscommunication before you proceed. Only after you have a confirmed clearance should you move, ensuring you’re acting on the most recent information.

Other approaches don’t provide the same level of certainty. Ignoring updates can leave you on outdated information, relying on a colleague for status introduces secondhand information and potential misunderstandings, and waiting for a full briefing may miss real-time changes that occur after the briefing is given.