Notify air traffic control and move a disabled vehicle off the taxiway to keep airfield operations safe.

Outline (skeleton)

• Hook: On the airfield, nothing is static—and speed plus clarity matter.

• Core truth: If a vehicle stalls, the safe, smart move is to notify ATC and move the vehicle off the taxiway.

• Why not the other options: A, B, and D each carry real risks to aircraft and people.

• Step-by-step response: What to do the moment you realize a vehicle is disabled

• Communicate with ATC

• Assess the scene and safety options

• Move the vehicle off the taxiway if feasible

• Mark the space and keep others informed

• Wait for clearance and direction

• What ATC needs to know: a simple check-in script and information to share

• Real-world angles: how this keeps operations smooth and reduces delays

• Quick tips for day and night operations

• Closing thought: safety culture on the airfield isn’t drama; it’s everyday judgment

On the move: safety starts the moment a vehicle stalls

Airfields are busy, precise places. Ground vehicles, crew transport, fueling trucks, and support equipment all share a tight rhythm with arriving and departing aircraft. When a vehicle becomes disabled on the surface, the clock is ticking—not because of panic, but because timing matters. The right move is clear and simple: notify air traffic control and maneuver the vehicle off the taxiway if you can do so safely. This keeps the path open for aircraft and minimizes the chance of a collision or a hold in the schedule.

Why the correct action is C, not A, B, or D

Let’s break down the options and why the single, proactive choice wins.

• A. Continue driving if possible

While it might seem faster to press on, continuing to move a disabled vehicle can put airplanes at risk. A stalled engine or a tire snag can create unpredictable steering or suddenly slow the vehicle. On airfields, aircraft rely on clean, unobstructed taxi routes. A misstep here isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it can cascade into a safety incident.

• B. Leave the vehicle in place

This seems like an effortless path, but it places a solid obstacle right on a taxiway or near a runway intersection. Other vehicles and pilots rely on clear sightlines and predictable motion. A vehicle left in place can be missed by someone who’s rushing to get a flight ready, especially in low-visibility conditions or during shift changes. The risk to life and mission readiness is simply not worth it.

• D. Wait for help without notifying anyone

Waiting in place without telling ATC or the coordinating crews is a recipe for miscommunication. ATC is the nerve center for airfield movements. If they don’t know there’s a problem, they can’t adjust traffic flow, and the chance of a runway incursion—or a near-miss—goes up. It’s easy to underestimate how quickly a situation on the surface can evolve into a broader disruption.

The practical steps to handle a disabled vehicle

Here’s the flow you’ll want to internalize. Think of it as a lightweight checklist you can run through in your head when seconds matter.

1. Notify air traffic control immediately

Even if you’re not certain how big the issue is, a quick call or radio check-in is essential. ATC needs to be aware of every surface disruption to manage aircraft movement, adjust taxi routes, and coordinate a safe solution. If you’re using a radio, say your unit, your position, and the nature of the issue. A concise report goes a long way.

2. Move off the taxiway, if feasible

If there’s a safe path to pull the vehicle to the shoulder or a designated pull-off, do it. The goal is to clear the main travel lane so aircraft can pass without slowing or stopping. Assess wind direction, terrain, people around the vehicle, and any hazards from fuel or cargo operations before you steer.

3. Turn on hazard lights and set markers if available

Visibility matters. Hazard lights signal trouble to others nearby. On many bases, you’ll also have cones, barricade markers, or reflective devices. Place them to define the space you’re using and to warn approaching traffic. Do this calmly and quickly so you don’t create new hazards while you’re trying to reduce the risk.

4. Communicate the scene with a quick status update

Alongside ATC, tell your supervisor or the supporting crew. If there are injuries, fuel leaks, or a risk of fire, say so right away. Clear communication prevents misinterpretation and helps the right teams respond.

5. Stay out of the way and wait for direction

After you’ve alerted the right people and moved the vehicle, keep a safe distance from the road and avoid sudden movements. Let the towing or maintenance teams do their job and wait for explicit directions from ATC or ground control before re-entering taxi routes.

What ATC needs to know to keep things moving

When you call in, you can keep it short and precise. Share:

• Your location: taxiway name or a near landmark, such as “near Taxiway Charlie, between Runway 09 and Taxiway Alpha.”

• Vehicle type and issue: “light utility trailer with a stalled engine,” or “utility truck with flat tire.”

• Immediate safety concerns: any fuel leaks, smoke, or people in danger.

• Your status: whether you’ve moved the vehicle off the taxiway and if you’re awaiting instructions.

These details let ATC adjust traffic flow quickly and safely. They’ll guide you through the next steps—whether it’s dispatching a tow, directing other vehicles to reroute, or coordinating with maintenance crews.

Real-world sense: staying smooth under pressure

Airfields are a choreography of moving parts. The moment a vehicle stalls, the choreography can go wrong if people freeze or improvise. By following a clear sequence—contact ATC, clear the roadway if possible, mark the area, and await directions—you reduce the chance of a hiccup turning into a hold or a bigger safety issue.

This isn’t about vibes or bravado. It’s about predictable behavior and established lines of communication. When your crew knows the script, you can adapt to weather, visibility, or late shifts without flapping at the edges of risk.

Training and readiness: turning knowledge into muscle memory

On the ground, drills and scenarios aren’t just for show. They’re about building instincts for when everything on the surface seems ordinary until a problem pops up. The core lesson stays the same: keep aircraft paths clear, keep people safe, and coordinate with the right control centers.

In practice, you’ll see checklists that remind you to:

• Identify the nearest ATC facility and the appropriate radio frequency.

• Confirm the vehicle’s position and any hazards.

• Use visible signals and defensive parking to prevent further issues.

• Obtain and follow the directions of ground control before re-entering taxi lanes.

If you’re in a supervisory role or part of a maintenance team, you’ll also focus on after-action communication—what worked, what could be faster, and how to refine the response for the next event.

Tips for day and night operations

Light, weather, and the hum of activity can color how a response unfolds. A few practical nicks and tips:

• Daytime: visibility is your friend. Use bright markers, keep the scene compact, and maintain radio discipline. Short, precise updates beat long, uncertain chatter.

• Nighttime: head to a safe, well-lit area and rely on reflective gear. Use flashlights sparingly to avoid blinding other crews. Ensure cones and markers stand out against the dark.

• Weather: fog or rain makes visibility tricky. Increase the distance to other traffic, verify ATC instructions in detail, and consider slower, deliberate movements to avoid missteps.

A touch of humanity in a high-stakes environment

Yes, airfields are technical, and yes, there are rules. But there’s also that human element: the moment you see a cued response from ATC or a tow truck lining up, you feel the sense of purpose—like you’ve helped keep a flight on time and a passenger safe. That mix of professionalism and pride is what makes the whole system work.

In short: the right move when a vehicle stalls

• Call ATC and give a crisp, factual report.

• If possible, move the vehicle off the taxiway to keep the lane clear.

• Use hazard signals and markers to alert others.

• Stay clear and await instructions.

• Communicate clearly with your team and with ATC as the situation evolves.

A final note on safety culture

Airfield safety isn’t about heroics; it’s about disciplined judgment and dependable routines. Small steps—speaking up, moving the vehicle to a safe spot, and coordinating with the control tower—compound into big, real-world safety gains. When everyone on the team follows the same approach, it’s like a well-rehearsed march: you’re faster, you’re safer, and you keep the operation moving with minimal disruption.

If you’re ever in this scenario, remember the core idea: be clear, be safe, and keep the taxi routes open for those who fly. It’s not just about getting a vehicle out of the way—it’s about preserving the flow of the entire airfield and, ultimately, protecting lives.