How to Get Progressive Taxi Instructions When You’re Lost
You just landed at a bigger airport for the first time. You clear the runway, and Ground says: “Cessna 123AB, taxi to parking via Bravo, Charlie, hold short of Delta.”
You look out the window… and have absolutely no idea where Bravo even starts.
Don’t panic. Every controller on the planet would rather give you progressive taxi instructions than fill out paperwork after you taxi into a ditch or cross an active runway.
Here is exactly what to say (word-for-word) and what will happen next.
The Magic Phrase That Fixes Everything
When you are lost or unsure:
“Ground, Cessna 123AB, I’m unfamiliar — request progressive taxi.”
That’s it. No shame, no apology needed, no long explanation.
What Happens After You Say It (Real Progressive Taxi Instructions Example)
Pilot: “Ground, Cessna 518AB, unfamiliar, request progressive taxi to Signature.” Controller: “Cessna 518AB, no problem. Turn right on Bravo, then left on Charlie Five. I’ll call your next turn when you get there.” Pilot: “Right on Bravo, left on Charlie Five, 8AB.” (30 seconds later) Controller: “Cessna 8AB, now turn right on Hotel directly in-front of you, then follow the FBO signs.” Pilot: “Right on Hotel, 8AB.”
Done. Took 45 seconds total. Zero drama.
Variations That Work Just as Well
- “Ground, Cessna 274MA, unfamiliar with the airport — need progressive to the ramp.”
- “Ground, Cessna 391KS, student pilot and lost — request progressive please.”
- “Ground, Cessna 762RW, I don’t see Bravo — can I get progressive to parking?”
These are all common phrases. There’s no point in being ashamed or timid about asking for progressive taxi instructions as it prevents incidents.
When NOT to Say It (Save Everyone Time)
If you’re only slightly unsure and can see the signs, just ask for clarification:
- “Confirm next taxiway is Bravo?”
- “Which way is Charlie from here?”
But if you’re truly lost — progressive is the correct and professional call.
Bonus: How to Sound Like a Pro While Asking for Progressive Taxi Instructions
Add your position if you know it: “Ground, Cessna 429EF, clear of 27R at Alpha 7, unfamiliar — request progressive to the main terminal.”
We’ll definitely appreciate you forever for giving us a precise spot, especially at bigger more congested airports.
More Posts That Will Help You on the Ground and in the Air
- How to Talk to Air Traffic Control on Your First Solo – Exact Scripts
← The full scripts for every phase of a normal VFR flight. - Why New Pilots Are Terrified of ATC (And the 7-Day Fix)
← The mindset shift that makes big airports feel normal. - “Say Again?” – How to Handle It Calmly When ATC Asks You to Repeat
← Works the same on the ground — just repeat the last instruction slowly. - Flight Following Made Easy – The 15-Second Script That Always Works
← Because once you’re comfortable on the ground, the next step is talking to Approach. - Class C Airspace Entry – Exactly What to Say from 30 Miles Out
← The companion article for when you’re heading into the same big airports where progressive taxi is needed.
Official FAA References (documents you should be very familiar with)
- AIM 4-3-18 – Taxiing and Progressive Instructions – direct from the Aeronautical Information Manual.
- FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge – Chapter 14 (Airport Operations) – free PDF, pages 14-18 to 14-22 cover exactly when and how to ask for help on the ground.
Every one of the phrases above is used daily by controllers all over the country.
The only thing student pilots regret is not asking for progressive sooner — it literally never annoys us.
If you ever find yourself staring at a taxi diagram that looks like spaghetti, just say the six magic words:
“Ground, I’m unfamiliar — request progressive taxi instructions.”
We’ve got your back.
