What is the difference between 'Line up and wait' and 'Taxi via' clearances?

What is the difference between 'Line up and wait' and 'Taxi via' clearances?

• A. Line up and wait positions the aircraft on the runway threshold awaiting clearance; Taxi via directs the aircraft to taxi on designated routes to or from the runway.
• B. Line up and wait moves aircraft to a parking stand; Taxi via holds at the runway.
• C. Line up and wait is for taxi to the gate; Taxi via is for immediate takeoff.
• D. Line up and wait is for a taxi route; Taxi via is for crossing the runway.

Answer: (A)

Line up and wait is an authorization that places the aircraft on the active runway, in a ready position, but not yet cleared for takeoff. The pilot holds there and waits for the final instruction to take off, allowing faster sequencing when departures are needed. It means you’re occupying the runway but still awaiting a takeoff clearance. Taxi via, on the other hand, directs the aircraft to move on designated ground routes to or from the runway or another location on the airport surface. It’s about following a specific taxi path along taxiways, not about occupying the runway for takeoff. The aircraft remains a ground movement following the prescribed route; you wouldn’t be holding on the runway unless explicitly instructed to do so. So the first instruction is about positioning on the runway for imminent departure, while the second is about routing on the ground to reach a runway, gate, or other area.

Line up and wait is an authorization that places the aircraft on the active runway, in a ready position, but not yet cleared for takeoff. The pilot holds there and waits for the final instruction to take off, allowing faster sequencing when departures are needed. It means you’re occupying the runway but still awaiting a takeoff clearance.

Taxi via, on the other hand, directs the aircraft to move on designated ground routes to or from the runway or another location on the airport surface. It’s about following a specific taxi path along taxiways, not about occupying the runway for takeoff. The aircraft remains a ground movement following the prescribed route; you wouldn’t be holding on the runway unless explicitly instructed to do so.

So the first instruction is about positioning on the runway for imminent departure, while the second is about routing on the ground to reach a runway, gate, or other area.