If you become disoriented on the airfield, pull over safely and contact ATC for guidance.

Disorientation on the airfield—it happens

Imagine you’re cruising along a taxiway, signs and lights blinking, radios crackling, and suddenly your bearings feel off. It can be unsettling, even for seasoned drivers. On airfields, where precision is the difference between a smooth flow of traffic and a near-miss, confusion isn’t something to shrug off. The good news is, there’s a clear, safe move you can make that protects you, the aircraft, and everyone else on the ramp: pull over safely and contact air traffic control for assistance.

The safe move: pull over and call ATC

Here’s the thing: the best response when disoriented is not to push ahead or guess your way back to familiarity. It’s to stop in a safe, controlled spot and get professional help. By pulling over, you prevent the risk of entering a restricted area, colliding with another vehicle, or accidentally crossing into an active taxiway or runway. And by contacting air traffic control (ATC), you give the people who run the airfield a heads-up about your situation. They can pinpoint your location, guide you to a safe re-entry path, and keep the rest of the field moving safely.

A simple, practical plan in the moment

If you do find yourself losing your bearings, use this straightforward plan:

• Stop where you can do so without blocking lanes or active paths. Think of it as “park and pause” rather than “keep moving until you figure it out.”

• Turn on hazard lights or beacon if your vehicle has them. A visible signal helps other drivers and aircraft crews see you more clearly.

• Initiate contact with ATC as soon as you can. Use the standard radio channel and your official call sign. A simple, calm message works well: “Attention, this is [Call Sign]. I’m currently disoriented near taxiway [Name/Location]. Requesting assistance and instructions.”

• Share what you know. If you can describe your approximate position, you’ll save time. If you don’t know exact location, tell ATC you’re unsure and they’ll guide you.

• Wait for instructions. Do not attempt to navigate on your own while disoriented. ATC can direct you to a known safe area or provide the bearings you need to regain orientation.

Why this matters: the safety math on the ramp

Continuing to drive when you’re disoriented isn’t just risky — it’s expensive in safety terms. You could:

• Enter a restricted area or cross a taxiway with an aircraft or maintenance vehicle nearby.

• Miss a hold short line or misinterpret a taxi route, leading to a near-miss.

• Create a blind spot for other drivers who assume you’re following a known path.

Speeding up to regain orientation compounds the danger. Rushing increases the odds you’ll miss cues, misread signs, or collide with something you didn’t expect. Looking for the nearest exit can be a dead end because your current location may be unclear to you but not to the ATC team, who have the field’s map and real-time traffic picture. In short, the safest choice is deliberate, not impulsive.

How ATC helps you get back on track

Air traffic control isn’t just a communications link; they’re the field’s navigational backbone in moments like this. Here’s what to expect:

• Location confirmation: ATC can triangulate where you are using radio contact, ground radar, and known taxiway names. You’ll be guided to a safe place to stop and a clean route back to your assigned path.

• Step-by-step directions: They’ll give you precise instructions—hold here, proceed to that recovery point, or await a clearance before moving again. It’s a collaborative process.

• Normalizing the flow: After you regain orientation, ATC will help you rejoin the taxi routes so you don’t derail the sequence of other aircraft and vehicles on the ground.

• Enhanced safety: If the situation ever escalates, ATC can call for additional ground support or emergency services. The priority is keeping people and aircraft safe.

Preventive habits that keep you steady

Getting disoriented happens to the best of us. The goal is to minimize the chances and to handle it cleanly when it does. A few practical habits can help:

• Before you start moving, skim the map: know the general route you’ll take, the major intersections, and the typical landmarks you’ll encounter. A quick mental rehearsal can be a lifeline.

• Keep communications crisp and consistent: always state your call sign, your approximate location, and your intent. Clear, concise radio etiquette reduces miscommunication.

• Stay aware of signage and lighting: taxiway edge lights, runway hold lines, and signage often tell you exactly where you are. Misreading a sign is a common way disorientation sneaks in.

• Use your eyes and your ears: if you notice people giving you puzzled looks, or if your radio breaks up and you lose incoming guidance, pause and reassess. Sometimes a moment of pause saves a lot of trouble.

• Practice a quick reset routine: when you feel off, slow down, locate the nearest safe stop, and call ATC. A tiny routine can be a big safety net.

What to say when you call ATC

If you’re new to this, the wording can feel a bit mechanical. Don’t overthink it. Aim for simple clarity:

• Identify yourself: “This is [Call Sign].”

• State your status: “I’m disoriented.”

• Pinpoint your general location if you can: “Near taxiway [Name], south side of the ramp.”

• Request assistance: “Requesting guidance to the nearest safe holding area and instructions to rejoin taxi routes.”

• Listen and follow: ATC will give you exact steps. Repeat them back if needed to confirm.

Back on track: what comes next

Once you’re oriented again and under ATC guidance, proceed with caution. Take a moment to re-familiarize with your route, verify your position against the field map, and maintain a safe speed. A quick check-in with your supervisor or floor controller afterward isn’t a bad idea—it helps cement the experience so you’re even better prepared next time.

A few closing thoughts

Disorientation isn’t a personal failing; it’s a moment that tests your judgment and your training. The right action—pull over safely and contact ATC—has the best track record for preventing accidents and keeping the rhythm of airfield operations intact. Think of ATC as the airfield’s compass when you’ve lost your bearings. They’ve got the map, the visibility, and the authority to steer you back to safety.

If you’re curious about how this plays out in real-world operations, you’ll notice a common thread: airfields run on disciplined habits, crisp communications, and a shared commitment to safety. Whether you’re new to ground movement or you’ve spent years on the tarmac, the moment you feel disoriented is the moment to pause, reach out, and let the procedure guide you back to solid ground.

In the end, the safest move is straightforward and human: stop where you can, reach out to ATC, and wait for a clean path forward. It keeps everyone safer, and that’s what real-world airfield driving is all about.