Definition 1 of 2
Definition
An aircraft is considered clear of the runway when all parts of it have crossed the applicable runway holding position marking, or when an aircraft has passed a perpendicular line extended from the runway edge in cases where no holding position marking is provided. For taxi-in operations, an aircraft must be clear of the runway in this sense before tower controllers can authorize another aircraft to land or take off on that runway.
Plain English
Your aircraft is fully off the runway only when every part of it — wings, tail, everything — has crossed the painted hold-short line on the taxiway. Until then, the runway is still considered occupied by you.
Context Anchor
Used during taxi, runway crossing, and after landing when a pilot reports to ATC that the aircraft has fully left the runway.
Derivation
Clear comes from an older sense meaning open, unobstructed, or free from something. In this aviation use, it means the runway is free of the aircraft or vehicle, not merely that the aircraft has started to leave it.
Why Pilots Care
Confirms the runway is available for the next arrival or departure and reduces the risk of runway incursions.
Grounding Statement
Picture the whole airplane needing to fit completely past the painted hold-short lines before the runway is truly free for other traffic.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “clear of the runway” means only off the paved runway surface. In FAA use, the entire aircraft must be beyond the proper holding position marking.
Example Sentence 1
After landing, the pilot continued taxiing until the entire aircraft was past the hold-short line and reported clear of the runway to ground control.
Example Sentence 2
Tower told the next aircraft to continue its approach once the departing plane reported clear of the runway.