What must be determined prior to the issuance of taxi instructions to an aircraft, vehicle, personnel, or equipment?

• A. Runway configuration
• B. Aircraft weight and balance
• C. Position on airport surface area
• D. Weather conditions on final approach

Answer: (C)

Knowing the exact position of an aircraft, vehicle, personnel, or equipment on the airport surface is essential before issuing any taxi instructions. With a clear location, ATC can chart a safe and efficient route that avoids conflicts with other traffic, ground equipment, and active runways, and ensures the clearance leads to the intended destination without incursions. The other factors—weather on final approach, aircraft weight and balance, or runway configuration—do not determine the immediate ground routing needed for taxi, though they influence flight operations or takeoff/landing planning rather than the ground movement itself.