Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 164
Distraction; Situational Awareness
Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Ground Incursion Runway
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert
Human Factors; Procedure; Airport
We were cleared by Ground to 'taxi via the terminal ramp to Runway 33'. As we turned left around the terminal it was a very tight squeeze between left wing and terminal. Captain kept aircraft centered on yellow line and we were both watching carefully for obstructions including tugs and baggage carts. As we neared Runway 33; the yellow taxi line just disappeared so we stopped to figure out how to proceed. At that time; an RJ on short final executed a go-around at about 50-100 feet AGL. We realized it was because of our location; though Ground Control said nothing to us. I switched to Tower and asked if we caused the go-around. Tower replied yes and said we were supposed to hold short at hold bar abeam terminal before the left turn. He told us to then taxi via Runway 33 and Runway 8; then exit abeam Gate A2 and contact Ground. Upon contacting Ground; I asked if we misunderstood something from our taxi clearance. Controller said we were instructed to 'taxi via terminal ramp to Runway 33; stop at hold bar'. I explained that no mention was made about any hold short bar and none about that was read back by me. Controller said it's very confusing because they rarely issue the clearance to depart Runway 33; and that the hold bar is unlit and difficult to see. Nothing further was said. When taxiing to Runway 15; we are always told to taxi up and hold short of 8-26. We understood the lighted hold bar to apply to 8-26 only. The taxi instructions (with no mention of any hold bar) combined with the close proximity of numerous obstructions requiring eyes outside and to the left made this situation very difficult and our outcome likely. ATC made no stink whatsoever which tells me they know their instructions led us right into the trap.
Departing BUR; Ground Control directed us to 'taxi to Runway 33 via the terminal ramp'. We were expecting 15; so we delayed taxiing until we reprogrammed the FMC; and re-briefed the departure. Per the ATC instructions; I taxied west on the terminal ramp in the direction of Runway 33. Due to the proximity of the terminal building and ground equipment; I proceeded very slowly and deliberately. Also; I have never departed Runway 33 and was unfamiliar with that area of the airport. I turned south following the taxi line initially and stopped when I didn't see a taxi line or any familiar signage. No one said a word to us as we taxied. At this point; the First Officer (FO) switched to the Tower frequency. We were informed that we had crossed a hold short line. I never saw the line. Eventually we were given instructions to taxi back to the terminal ramp in front of the Company gates and contact Ground Control. The FO asked the Ground Controller if we had missed something. Controller replied that they had instructed us to' taxi via the terminal ramp and hold short of the second hold short line'. Neither of us recall that instruction. That is not what the FO read back either. Controller further stated that it is easy to miss at night especially if you are unfamiliar. The Ground Controller then had us taxi west on the ramp again and hold short of Runway 33. This time I saw the hold short line because I was searching for it. I believe we didn't see it the first time because it was dark; the line was unlit; it is located in a confusing location; and we were so focused on not hitting anything while moving in cramped; unfamiliar territory. We were then instructed to back-taxi on Runway 33 and cleared for takeoff. First; I have to be more vigilant while taxiing and reviewing my charts. Although I felt I had done what was necessary to mitigate the risks (chart review: 10-7; 10-9; briefs; hyper focus); I still missed it. I did not see the safety alert until after the event. Had I reviewed that chart; this would not have happened. I believe this is one of the challenges of the EFB as well. Previously; the red bordered safety alert page would have stood out. Today; unless you specifically select a chart for review; you have no idea. Lesson learned. Secondly; I think the Burbank Ground Controllers could do a lot more while issuing instructions during this configuration. Since this is not the 'Normal' departure runway; ATC should alert Crews to the difficult to see hold short markings and the non-standard takeoff procedure (back-taxi into position). If the Controller had said 'taxi straight ahead and hold short of Runway 33. Expect to back-taxi for takeoff'; Crews would then be alerted that the hold short is not at the departure end of the runway. Further; I think the airport should make the hold short line for Runway 33 lighted just like the 8-26 hold line. This would make it very difficult to miss; particularly at night. I also think the 10-7 page should address this scenario specifically for Runway 33 departures. The 10-9 page should have either a note or a hot spot designation that shows you can't turn the corner without crossing a hold line. Those chart additions might serve as another layer to the safety alert given that it is more likely to be in view while taxiing.
B737 flight crew reports being cleared to taxi via the ramp taxiway to Runway 33 at BUR for a night departure. The Runway 33/15 hold bars on the ramp taxiway are inadvertently crossed causing an aircraft landing Runway 33 to go-around.