Ground Control must notify Local Control when an aircraft is taxiing to which location for departure?

• A. A taxiway
• B. The ramp
• C. An intersection for departure
• D. A runway

Answer: (C)

When an airplane is moving toward takeoff, the handoff from Ground Control to Local Control happens at the departure intersection—the point where the aircraft will depart onto the runway. This is the natural transition from ground movement to the immediate airspace around the runway, which Local Control manages for sequencing and issuing takeoff clearance. The aircraft isn’t handed off merely because it’s on a taxiway or on the ramp; those areas stay under Ground Control until the aircraft is ready to cross onto the runway. The handoff is made at the departure intersection so Local Control can coordinate with the tower to ensure safe, orderly takeoffs.