KBOS cutting it a bit too close

[Hollis]

Not sure if this was an actual incursion. Just bad timing I guess.
Happened today around 1645Z.

[cessna157]

That area that TRS is taxiing through is a very confusing area as it is a hold short bar for several runway approach zones.  I've had controllers give me the same clearance to taxi across the approach zones to runway 9, but then, after we've crossed the line, they say "stop stop"

[ckleitsch]

The "cleared to land " from American 1270 is for 4R. Assuming the 269 aircraft is near the hold line and taxiway Juliet, it would seem to be outside a conflict for 4R. What are the "distance-from" rules for this?

[cessna157]

The phantom 4L hold line does not affect 4R at all.
See my attachment for an explanation

TRS was holding at the 4L hold line on B.  The controller then gave a taxi instruction to 9 via B-M.  After beginning the taxi, the controller renegs his instructions, but it was too late.  TRS then turns onto J, goes down to make a 180 (that couldn't have been easy) and back via J-B-M.

As a pilot, we really dislike this taxi route to 9 as it involves a huge hotspot that is very confusing (the phantom hold line).  The other route to 9 is via E or K to M.  It involves another hotspot and runway crossing (ironically the same runway) but it very straightforward on what is going on.

This is just a unique challenge to BOS.  Of the eastern half of the US, BOS has one of the most confusing runway/taxiway layouts with pavement pointing every which direction (BWI is a close second).  Some other airports that come to mind are MDW (lots of crossings VERY close to each other) and SFO.

[Adrian8]

If American was on final for 4R, TRS couldn't stay on B? I understand your explanation cessna, I'm just not sure why he couldn't be where he was

[cessna157]

I think we're missing a piece of the puzzle.  There had to have been someone on final for 4L.

Wow, if that isn't armchair quarterbacking, I don't know what is

[Hollis]

Puzzle solved. There WAS another aircraft on final for 4L, Eagle Flt 780. American 1270 was parallel for 4R simultaneously.

[ckleitsch]

Ah, the missing piece! Excellent job on finding the 4L approach, which explains the urgency in the controller's voice on getting 269 outta there.