When the Local Controller authorizes the crossing of the active runway, they must verbally specify the runway to be crossed, preceded by which word?

• A. STOP
• B. CROSS
• C. CROSSING
• D. CLEAR

Answer: (B)

The action being tested is the exact phraseology used to authorize an aircraft or vehicle to cross an active runway. When the Local Controller wants someone to cross the runway, they give a direct command with the verb Cross followed by the runway designation. Saying “Cross Runway 27” clearly tells the pilot to proceed across the active runway at the specified location, under the controller’s supervision. This imperative form is used to convey immediate, unambiguous action, which is crucial for safety on an active runway.

The other options don’t fit this instruction pattern: STOP would imply halting, not crossing; CROSSING is a participle that isn’t used as the directing verb in this context; CLEAR is used in different clearance phrases (like cleared to land or cleared to taxi) and doesn’t serve the specific imperative to perform a crossing.