Narrative:

Having received IFR clearance from niagara ground; I was directed to taxi from the FBO ramp to runway 6 via taxiway J. I was unfamiliar with the airport; having flown in for the first time two days prior to this event. I wrote the taxi clearance on my kneeboard and had the FAA airport diagram in my lap. I identified the locations of the FBO ramp; taxiway J and runway 6 on the airport diagram. All communication and navigation radios and the GPS were set prior to taxi. I was directed to perform my run-up at the hold short line. I exited the ramp and identified a taxiway 'J' location sign (yellow on black). On the way to that sign; I noted that I was crossing a runway and realized that it was runway 06. Having already entered the runway; I chose to exit by continuing across. As I did so; I heard ATC (though I was still tuned to the ground frequency) cancel another aircraft's takeoff clearance. That aircraft was departing from runway 24 (opposite end of same runway; which is 5189 ft long). I was instructed to proceed across runway 06; turn 180 degrees on taxiway J and hold short of runway 06; which I did. I performed my run-up and called niagara tower. I was given the tower's telephone number to call upon reaching my destination; which I did. I believe that this event occurred because I was unfamiliar with the airport and the hold short line was not where I expected it to be. Having reviewed the airport diagram; I expected to taxi onto J at least a short way before coming to the hold short line. I have subsequently reviewed the airport layout using google earth and see that the hold short line on taxiway J is immediately past the ramp. I did not see a taxiway location sign for J; a runway holding sign (white on red) for runway 06 or a hold short line prior to entering the runway. The only reason I can think of for not having seen the hold short line and sign is that I may have been looking for any other taxiing traffic when I passed them. Based on the appearance of the taxiway and runway on the airport diagram; I expected the hold short line to be closer to the runway and farther from the edge of the ramp. I am familiar with the aim and have previously successfully completed the interactive course 'runway safety.' I always thought this could not happen to me. In the future; I will try to have a better plan of expected taxi around unfamiliar airports and be even more vigilant of airport signage.

Related reports:

Google
 

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A general aviation pilot missed the hold short line and sign for Runway 06 at IAG and taxied across without clearance.

Narrative: Having received IFR clearance from Niagara Ground; I was directed to taxi from the FBO ramp to Runway 6 via Taxiway J. I was unfamiliar with the airport; having flown in for the first time two days prior to this event. I wrote the taxi clearance on my kneeboard and had the FAA airport diagram in my lap. I identified the locations of the FBO ramp; Taxiway J and Runway 6 on the airport diagram. All communication and NAV radios and the GPS were set prior to taxi. I was directed to perform my run-up at the hold short line. I exited the ramp and identified a Taxiway 'J' location sign (yellow on black). On the way to that sign; I noted that I was crossing a runway and realized that it was Runway 06. Having already entered the runway; I chose to exit by continuing across. As I did so; I heard ATC (though I was still tuned to the ground frequency) cancel another aircraft's takeoff clearance. That aircraft was departing from Runway 24 (opposite end of same runway; which is 5189 FT long). I was instructed to proceed across Runway 06; turn 180 degrees on Taxiway J and hold short of Runway 06; which I did. I performed my run-up and called Niagara Tower. I was given the Tower's telephone number to call upon reaching my destination; which I did. I believe that this event occurred because I was unfamiliar with the airport and the hold short line was not where I expected it to be. Having reviewed the airport diagram; I expected to taxi onto J at least a short way before coming to the hold short line. I have subsequently reviewed the airport layout using Google Earth and see that the hold short line on Taxiway J is immediately past the ramp. I did not see a taxiway location sign for J; a runway holding sign (white on red) for Runway 06 or a hold short line prior to entering the runway. The only reason I can think of for not having seen the hold short line and sign is that I may have been looking for any other taxiing traffic when I passed them. Based on the appearance of the taxiway and runway on the airport diagram; I expected the hold short line to be closer to the runway and farther from the edge of the ramp. I am familiar with the AIM and have previously successfully completed the interactive course 'Runway Safety.' I always thought this could not happen to me. In the future; I will try to have a better plan of expected taxi around unfamiliar airports and be even more vigilant of airport signage.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.