Which combination lists the methods by which an aircraft's position may be determined on the ground?

• A. Visually by the controller, by pilots, through the use of ASDE
• B. Radar only
• C. Pilot reports only
• D. Satellite tracking

Answer: (A)

Position on the ground is established by using a combination of how the controller can see and verify movements: visual observation by the controller, position reports from the pilots, and ground surveillance radar (ASDE). Visual sighting helps the controller track taxiing aircraft and their locations around runways and taxiways. Pilots provide position reports and taxi instructions, which confirms where they are and where they’re headed. ASDE adds continuous radar coverage of the airport surface, showing aircraft and vehicles to help prevent conflicts and confirm exact positions.

Relying on radar alone misses the human element of pilot reports and the direct visual confirmation, while relying on pilot reports alone omits the continuous surface surveillance that ASDE provides. Satellite tracking isn’t the standard method for determining exact ground positions in the airport environment, so it doesn’t fit as part of the typical ground-positioning methods.