Definition
An ATC procedure in which controllers must issue a specific clearance for each runway a taxiing aircraft will cross, rather than allowing multiple runway crossings under a single taxi clearance. The aircraft must hold short of each runway until it receives an individual crossing instruction for that runway.
Plain English
Every runway you need to cross while taxiing requires its own separate permission from the controller. One taxi instruction does not cover multiple runways — you stop short of each runway and wait for ATC to clear you across that specific one.
Context Anchor
Encountered during taxi instructions on the ground, especially when moving from a ramp, taxiway, or parking area toward another part of the airport.
Derivation
Explicit comes from the Latin explicitus, meaning 'unfolded' or 'made plain.' In this context, it means the controller must spell out each crossing clearance separately rather than leaving it implied within a longer taxi instruction.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures the pilot has received a positive clearance, reducing the risk of runway incursions.
Intuition Check
Do not assume that “taxi to” means “cross any runway on the way.” For a runway crossing, the controller must clearly say to cross that specific runway.
Example Sentence 1
Because of the explicit runway crossing rule, the controller cleared us to cross Runway 9, and only after we were across did she issue a separate clearance to cross Runway 14.
Example Sentence 2
We held short until receiving an explicit runway crossing clearance from the tower.