Pilots perform this maneuver when a runway lacks a parallel taxiway. The aircraft enters the runway, taxis down it in the wrong direction, and then turns 180 degrees at the end to line up for departure. Air traffic control must keep the runway clear of all other traffic until the backtracking aircraft is ready and cleared for takeoff.
Heard on the job
Ground, Cessna 172 Alpha Bravo, request backtrack on runway two four for a full-length departure.
Also heard as
- back-taxi