In article , Mike W.
wrote:

This afternoon I went out for a few laps at Ohio State. ...[Tower] said 'clear for
the option'. So on one lap, I decided I wanted to practice a short field
landing. Stuck it, stopped and requested a back taxi. Nope, roll down to end
and taxi back on taxiway, then reprimanded me for stopping on the runway...
The airport was not at all busy. I am not arguing this guys authority... I was
this close to asking the guy for the number up in the cab....

I'm sure he'd have been happy to give it to you. Sometimes what you're
expecting and what ATC is expecting can be quite different, and I'm
sure he'd have been happy to rationally explain it.

So, you controllers out there, what exactly am I cleared to do with 'cleared
for the option' that differs from 'clear for touch and go' or 'clear to
land'? Do I need to request, specifically, that I am wanting to practice a
short field, with full braking and a complete stop on the runway?

That isn't what you asked for. You asked for a back-taxi on the active
runway, and that's something completely different. A stop-and-go means
you stop, and then GO. Not turn around, saunter back, line back up,
etc...

The AIM lists what you're specifically allowed to do on a

http://www.faa.gov/ATpubs/AIM/Chap4/aim0403.html#4-3-22

4-3-22. Option Approach

The "Cleared for the Option" procedure will permit an instructor,
flight examiner or pilot the option to make a touch-and-go, low
approach, missed approach, stop-and-go, or full stop landing.



Also, relating to the full-stop landing above:

4-3-20. Exiting the Runway After Landing
The following procedures should be followed after landing and reaching
taxi speed.
a. Exit the runway without delay at the first available taxiway or on a
taxiway as instructed by ATC. Pilots shall not exit the landing runway
onto another runway unless authorized by ATC. At airports with an
operating control tower, pilots should not stop OR REVERSE COURSE on
the runway without first obtaining ATC approval.


So there you go. :-)

Hope that helps.

--
Garner R. Miller
ATP/CFII/MEI
Clifton Park, NY =USA=