When instructing an aircraft to line up and wait, what is the correct phraseology?

When instructing an aircraft to line up and wait, what is the correct phraseology?

• A. <Callsign>, Runway <number>, Line up and hold.
• B. <Callsign>, Runway <number>, Cross Runway <n>.
• C. <Callsign>, Runway <number>, Line up and wait.
• D. <Callsign>, Runway <number>, Wait for takeoff clearance.

Answer: (C)

Line up and wait is the standard phraseology used when you want an aircraft to move onto the runway, align on the centerline, and wait for takeoff clearance. In this scenario, the controller gives the aircraft’s callsign, the runway designation, and the instruction line up and wait, signaling the aircraft should occupy the runway and be ready to go as soon as clearance is granted. This is different from other phrases that would imply holding before reaching the runway, or waiting somewhere other than on the runway, or requiring a crossing of a runway. The wording clearly communicates that the aircraft is to be on the runway, lined up, and awaiting takeoff clearance.

Line up and wait is the standard phraseology used when you want an aircraft to move onto the runway, align on the centerline, and wait for takeoff clearance. In this scenario, the controller gives the aircraft’s callsign, the runway designation, and the instruction line up and wait, signaling the aircraft should occupy the runway and be ready to go as soon as clearance is granted. This is different from other phrases that would imply holding before reaching the runway, or waiting somewhere other than on the runway, or requiring a crossing of a runway. The wording clearly communicates that the aircraft is to be on the runway, lined up, and awaiting takeoff clearance.