What is the proper approach to a disabled vehicle on taxiways or runways?

• A. Maintain distance, inform ATC, follow instructions for safe clearance; if safe, provide assistance
• B. Speed up to pass the vehicle as quickly as possible
• C. Ignore the disabled vehicle and continue
• D. Immediately dismount to assist without ATC notification

Answer: (A)

When a vehicle is disabled on taxiways or runways, safety depends on coordinating with air traffic control and keeping clear of aircraft movements. The best approach is to maintain a safe distance from the disabled vehicle to prevent any collision or interference, immediately inform ATC about the situation, and then follow ATC’s instructions for establishing a safe clearance. If ATC says it’s safe to assist, you may help, but only in a way that does not create additional hazards and under ATC direction. This sequence—stay back, notify ATC, follow their guidance—keeps aircraft operations protected and minimizes risk to everyone on the airside.

Rushing to pass the vehicle, ignoring it, or trying to dismount and assist without ATC authorization can put you and operating aircraft at serious risk and disrupts controlled movements. Those actions do not align with proper airside safety procedures.