Boeing Company Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Flight Engineer; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 70; Flight Crew Total 10990; Flight Crew Type 45
Confusion; Distraction; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Ground Incursion Runway
Human Factors; Procedure
We were cleared to be towed across the active runway 19 at FRG at the approach end of the runway (taxiway G7). We told the tower of our intentions to be turned around on the runway; and pushed back off the runway for engine start. We were in intercom contact with the ground tow crew. After we were turned around on the runway and being pushed back off the runway; the tower controller asked us how long until we would be clear of the runway. At this time I noticed an aircraft on about a 1 mile final approaching the runway. I stated that we were not clear of the runway; but would be shortly; and would call when we were clear of the hold short line. The aircraft on final continued and passed over us while a small portion of the aircraft; and the tow vehicle; were still on the runway side of the hold short line. The aircraft on final did not receive any go-around instructions that we heard. Once the aircraft and tow vehicle were clear of the runway; about 20 seconds after the landing aircraft passed our position; we reported clear of the runway. We were surprised that the aircraft was not told to go-around due to our position on the runway. The aircraft passed over/abeam our position about 100 feet in the air and landed well down the runway from our position. There was no imminent danger. However; with the current industry-wide emphasis on runway incursions; we felt it important to report this possible runway incursion.This was a very unusual request from an unusual aircraft; necessitated by the limited ramp space and the need to move the aircraft away from a very busy and populated ramp. We thought the tower controller understood our request; however they may not have gleaned how long we would need to turn the aircraft around on the runway. The tower was very busy on this Memorial Day weekend. The tower position was a good distance from the location; probably making it difficult to determine our exact position. It is quite possible that they did not realize that we were not completely clear of the runway as the landing aircraft passed our position. In the future; a more thorough discussion of our intentions will be made so that there is no misunderstanding or lack of awareness of the consequences of our intended operation.
Pilot reports of being under tow and crossing a runway. Aircraft on final is not sent around; but overflies the aircraft under tow and lands down further on the runway.