Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 12; Flight Crew Total 575; Flight Crew Type 370
Confusion; Distraction; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Ground Incursion Runway
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Chart Or Publication; Human Factors; Environment - Non Weather Related; Airport
I was taxiing out for takeoff from the local FBO ramp to Runway 23 via Taxiway Echo. I had the taxi diagram plate on my lap to make sure I was going the right way. However; as I approached the approach end of Runway 23; I had inadvertently passed the hold short line on Echo. I stopped as soon as I realized this; maybe about 20 FT past the hold short line. After a quick cockpit pre-takeoff check; called the Tower. I informed them that I was holding short of 23 but thought I had crossed the hold-short line. The Tower verified that I had crossed the hold short line; but had mentioned that it happened on occasion; and cleared me for takeoff. I think I had not anticipated that the hold short line would be so far away from the approach end of the runway. Because of the geometry of Taxiway Echo leading to Runway 23; it is probably about 100-150 FT from the turn onto the runway. I can't remember if I was performing cockpit/instrument checks as I approached the hold short line; but remember looking up to see the markings pass by. The AFD does not mention anything unusual about the placement of the hold short line for 23 on Echo. If the Tower Operator was accurate in saying that it happens often; I think it might be prudent to state this in the AFD. Even though it is the pilot's responsibility to make sure he/she does not cross the line without ATC permission; I think it would be a good preventative measure to give pilots a heads-up regarding the unusually far distance that the plane needs to be from the approach end. I was not prepared to see the lines so far away; even though I had the taxi diagram in front of me.
A pilot reported a JST Runway 23 incursion on Taxiway E because he did not expect the hold short line to be at such a great distance from the Runway threshold.