Any Unknown or Unlisted Aircraft Manufacturer
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 75; Flight Crew Total 9945; Flight Crew Type 2800
Confusion; Distraction
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Ground Incursion Taxiway
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Airport; Human Factors
I was second-in-command; flying pilot. We picked up ATIS information which stated Runway 10R was in use for departure and briefed accordingly. Prior to taxi; we received a new ATIS report which had omitted a runway assignment. The non-flying pilot called for taxi; advised information and that the runway assignment was missing. The Ground Controller said they were fixing that and told us to taxi to Runway 28L via Z hold short of Z1. We read back the instructions and proceeded to taxi onto Z from the ramp. We continued the taxi onto Z1 and did not immediately recognize the hold short markings. We realized too late that we were crossing the hold short line and immediately stopped and advised Ground Control. He advised us to hold position. He then instructed us to continue taxi on Z1; enter the runway and turn left at the first taxiway and hold short of Z1. We complied with no further incident. The Controller asked us to call him when we arrived at our destination and we were cleared for takeoff. We spoke to the Tower [who] advised us that this is a frequent issue with pilots operating at HWD due to the nonstandard location and they were working with the airport to provide a solution. Fortunately the nonstandard location was so far from the end of the runway that there was never a potential conflict with inadvertently entering the runway; however; this also seems to be why it is easily overlooked. In addition; the Z1 taxiway marker is located on the right side of the taxiway and on the opposing left side of the taxiway is a large yellow sign detailing noise abatement procedures for departure off of Runway 28L. This tends to be a big distraction as it pulls your attention to the right side of the taxiway making it easy to pass Z1. As we had anticipated departing [Runway] 10R and received a runway change; it made it all the more easy to focus on the sign and miss the hold. For our debrief we discussed prevention measures for future operations at that location. Being more vigilant with discussing the hot spot locations that could arise from unanticipated taxi routes and a renewed awareness of potential nonstandard signs in use will help to overcome the tendencies to assume understanding of controller instructions.
Pilot reported that they crossed a HWD airport taxiway hold-short line in an area that is known for this recurring problem due to taxiway non-standard location.