A319
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Incursion Runway
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
During approach to 24R to LAX we noticed an A380 holding in position on 24L. As we landed on 24R the A380 was cleared for takeoff on 24L. After the A380 was airborne and clearing the end of the runway Tower cleared us to cross 24L and contact Ground. We had just watched the A380 depart and knew no aircraft could depart for a couple of minutes; out of habit we cleared the runway to the left and right before beginning to cross. As we crossed the hold bar the Captain noticed the red stop lights were on and brought the aircraft to a stop (across the hold bar but short of the runway.) We then informed ATC that we had crossed the hold short line but were stopped short of the runway because of red stop lights. We asked if we were still cleared to cross to which the Controller replied we were clear to cross but per FAR's we had to wait for the stop lights to turn off. We continued to hold in position until the airport authority chase car passed us on 24L (following the A380 searching for debris) The red lights then turned off; we were again cleared by Tower to cross 24L did so and contacted Ground to taxi in uneventfully.
We had just landed on 24R into LAX. We rolled out down to the high speed Taxiway AA. ATC cleared us to cross Runway 24L just after the A380 had lifted off. The First Officer and I communicated that we were cleared to cross 24L. Out of habit I confirmed our clearance to cross the active runway by pushing forward the landing lights to the retract position. This is my technique to confirm that I know that I heard we were cleared to cross. I looked to the left before crossing and announced clear left. My First Officer responded with the standard response 'Clear Right'. I tried to keep the speed up on the high speed taxiway; consistent with safety; and proceeded to cross Runway 24L. The sun was setting; therefore making it not instantly noticeable to see the red stop bar lights. As soon as I noticed the RED lights; I announce 'the Red lights are ON' to my First Officer and stopped the aircraft as quickly and safely as possible. Even though I could not stop the aircraft before the hold short line; I was able to stop before entering the actual runway. My First Officer communicated with Tower why we had stopped and questioned if we were still cleared to cross 24L. Tower responded by saying 'You are cleared to cross to 24L; but FAA regulations require you to follow the RED stop bar lights' or something to that effect. They told us that a runway inspection vehicle was on the runway; although quite far away. After the inspection vehicle passed; they turned off the red lights and cleared us to cross.
A319 flight crew reports being cleared to cross Runway 24L at LAX after an A380 departure; to discover that the red stop bar lights are on. The aircraft stops beyond the hold bars and the Tower is queried. The crew is informed that they are cleared to cross but are required to stop for the red hold bar lights by FAR. A vehicle was clearing the runway after the A380 departure.