Date: 201405
Location: LAX.Airport, CA
Aircraft: Large Transport
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Mission: Passenger
ATC / advisory: Ground LAX
Aircraft component: Aero Charts
Component problem: Design
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: First Officer; Pilot Flying
Human factors: Confusion; Fatigue
Second reporter function: Pilot Not Flying; Captain
Anomaly: Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Ground Incursion Taxiway
Detector: Person Air Traffic Control
When detected: Taxi
Result: Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Contributing factors: Human Factors; Chart Or Publication; Airport
Primary problem: Human Factors

Narrative: After landing on Runway 24R; aircraft rollout was completed to the end of the runway in order to exit runway at Taxiway BB. This was previously briefed due to closure of high-speed Taxiway AA between Runway 24L and Taxiway E. After exiting 24R at BB and approaching 24L; Tower issued instructions to make a right-turn onto runway 24L; taxi to the end of runway; and exit at Taxiway E16.  Aircraft exited 24L at E16 and intercepted Taxiway E for taxi to Hardstand Gate 218. An area of Taxiway E; between E15 and continuing past Taxiway AA was under construction; thus causing the previously mentioned closure of Taxiway AA. Due to the location of Hardstand Gate 218 and the adjacent construction abeam it on Taxiway E; a turn was initiated at the E16 entry into the Hardstand ramp area. E16 was used instead of E15 to avoid construction zone and for easier alignment with Gate 218. After entry into ramp area; an immediate left-turn was made to align aircraft for a straight-in taxi to Gate 218. Subsequently; when taxiing abeam Gate 209; instructions were issued by Tower to hold position and contact Ground. Though poorly marked on the ramp; and poorly illustrated on the LAX [Airport Diagram and West Remote Detail]; apparently the line we recognized as a taxi line was instead a lead-in line for Gate 209. After airport authority vehicles did a quick check for FOD; we were given instructions by ground to continue to Gate 218. Jeppesen and LAX [ops] need to provide a more detailed illustration of the Hardstand ramp area with accompanying instructions easily seen and understood by aircrew. With the current heavy use of the Hardstands; due to ongoing construction at the LAX International Terminal; and construction now occurring adjacent to the Hardstand ramp area; it is imperative that aircrews understand what is expected of them when encountering construction around the Hardstand ramp area.  Additionally; Tower and/or Ground controllers need to issue timely taxi instructions when aircraft are subject to construction-based taxi modifications.


Second narrative: Prior to landing 24R at LAX; First Officer (pilot flying) and myself discussed taxiway closures that would affect us. [ATIS indicated] both Taxiways AA and BB between 24L and E as well as E being closed between E14 and E15. We decided to roll to the end of 24R and exit at BB. Once clear; Tower advised us to taxi down 24L and exit at the end (E16) toward our gate. Once clear and on E16; my first look at the entrance to the gate area at E15 appeared to be blocked with the NOTAM'd closures. We continued onto the ramp at E16 and started to join what appeared to be an inner taxiway. It actually turned out to be a very poorly marked lead-out line for Gate 209. We were advised by the Tower to stop; contact ground and await a FOD check by airport personnel. Once completed; we were instructed to proceed to our gate without further incident. At no time was safety compromised. Even with the [west gate detail diagram] out for reference; it was a bit confusing at best. Add to that; construction; operations at an unfamiliar side of the airport with a very tired crew and it really drives home the point that everyone in the cockpit has to be alert for all critical phases. Perhaps [Jeppesen] could incorporate all warnings and notes concerning a ramp area on [the appropriate] plate. It's hard to switch between plates during ground operations.


Synopsis: Large wide bodied flight crew becomes confused during taxi to gate 218 at LAX due to construction on Taxiway E and uses the lead out line from Gate 209 as a shortcut to Gate 218. The Tower has the crew hold position while an airport vehicle is dispatched to check for FOD. A note on the Airport Diagram prohibits this maneuver.