How do AVOP holders know when they must yield to aircraft?

AVOP holders must yield to aircraft primarily by adhering to posted signage and following Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions. This is critical because posted signage provides important visual cues about operational areas, taxiways, and specific yield requirements for vehicles. Properly interpreting these signs helps ensure that vehicles do not interfere with aircraft movements, thereby maintaining safety in the airside environment.

In addition to signage, ATC plays a vital role in managing air traffic and providing instructions that must be followed by vehicle operators. These instructions can include clearance for movement, directives to hold short of runways, or information about arriving and departing aircraft. By complying with ATC communications and instructions, AVOP holders help maintain coordinated and safe operations on the airside.

While visibility of aircraft and radio communications are important considerations, they are not comprehensive enough to ensure safety alone. Relying solely on visibility can lead to dangerous situations if an operator misjudges distances or the speed of an approaching aircraft. Similarly, while listening to radio communications is helpful, it must be in conjunction with other regulatory practices, such as obeying signage and ATC instructions, to ensure complete situational awareness and adherence to safety protocols.