Plain English Meaning

When you taxi, you cannot cross any runway unless the controller specifically tells you to cross that exact runway. You must read the instruction back. Even if the controller has cleared you to taxi to a destination, you still have to wait for a separate, named clearance for each runway in your way.

Full Definition

An FAA requirement that air traffic controllers must issue a specific clearance for each runway a pilot is expected to cross while taxiing, and pilots must read back that clearance. A single taxi clearance does not authorize crossing any runway along the route; each runway crossing requires its own explicit instruction, given one runway at a time. The crossing clearance is normally issued only when the aircraft is approaching the runway to be crossed.

Context Anchor

Encountered during ground operations at towered airports, especially while taxiing from parking to a runway or and taxiing to parking.