Definition
Marked points on a taxiway where an aircraft must stop and hold until cleared to proceed, typically located short of a runway, an intersecting taxiway, or another protected area. They are identified by painted yellow holding position markings on the pavement and corresponding red-and-white holding position signs beside the taxiway.
Plain English
Specific spots on the taxiway where you stop and wait until you are told you can keep moving. They are marked with yellow lines on the ground and a red sign with white letters on the side.
Context Anchor
Seen while taxiing, especially near runway entrances, runway crossings, and other protected areas on the airport surface.
Why Pilots Care
Prevents runway incursions and keeps ground operations safe and orderly.
Analogy
They work like a stop line at a road intersection, but with a stricter rule: you do not cross until you are cleared or otherwise authorized to do so.
Intuition Check
Do not read “hold position” as any convenient place to pause. In airport use, it means a specific marked or assigned spot where the aircraft must stop and wait.
Example Sentence 1
Cessna 42X, taxi to runway 27 via Alpha, hold short of runway 33 at the taxiway hold position.
Example Sentence 2
During noise abatement procedures the controller directed the aircraft to remain at the taxiway hold position until the noise-sensitive area was clear.