Technique - Land and hold short operations

Land and hold short operations, or LAHSO, is a tool that allows air traffic control to conduct simultaneous arrivals on intersecting runways. It’s a clearance to land and then stop before the intersecting runway or taxiway. Because LAHSO exists as a means to increase operations on a particular airport, it is typically used at larger and busier airports. Given the rare nature of the procedure and its potential for traffic conflicts, it’s important to know the details of how LAHSO works.

Special emphasis area

Land and hold short operations are one of 11 special emphasis areas defined by the FAA as requiring increased scrutiny on the Private Pilot Practical Test. You likely won’t be required to demonstrate LAHSO, but you may be quizzed on your knowledge and understanding of the subject.

The info

If an airport has the approval to conduct LAHSOs, it will be listed as such in the Airport/Facility Directory, noted on the airport diagram, and in the applicable terminal procedures book. Included in the information will be the available landing distance for each runway. In most cases, the airport’s automatic terminal information service (ATIS) will announce that land and hold short operations are in effect. Most will also specify the available landing distance for each runway. To further aid the pilot in knowing where to stop, hold- short lines are painted on the runway prior to the intersection, just as they are depicted prior to a runway on takeoff. There are also red and white signs on the side of the runway, and in some cases in-pavement lighting.

The procedure

An announcement on the ATIS that LAHSO is in effect is not a clearance or request to do so. If the controller wants you to land and hold short, he will issue you a specific clearance. For example, “Cessna One-Two-Three-Four-Alpha, cleared to land runway eight, hold short runway three-two.” 
It's important to read back the full clearance, including the requirement to hold short. Once you land, exit at the first available taxiway, making sure it’s prior to the hold-short lines. If you’re unable to exit the runway prior to the lines, come to a complete stop and wait for further ATC instructions.

No-go LAHSO

1. As a student pilot.

2. When the pilot in command deems it unsafe.

3. When the ceiling is below 1,000 feet and the visibility is less than three miles.

4. When the runway is wet.

5.When there is a tailwind component. 

6. When wind shear has been reported.