Date: 201208
Local time of day: 1201-1800
Location: ELP.Airport, TX
Flight conditions: VMC
Light: Daylight
Aircraft: Medium Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Taxi
ATC / advisory: Ground ELP
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: First Officer; Pilot Not Flying
Human factors: Time Pressure; Situational Awareness; Distraction; Communication Breakdown
Second reporter function: Captain; Pilot Flying
Anomaly: Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Ground Incursion Runway
Detector: Person Air Traffic Control
When detected: Taxi
Result: Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Contributing factors: Environment - Non Weather Related; Airport
Primary problem: Airport

Narrative: The Captain said here is the approach end of 8R; but not the runway. I didn't say anything at that time because I was trying to figure out our position on the Company page so I could give him an accurate answer. I looked up and we were just passing the 8R approach sign and hold short line when Ground said hold your position and contact Tower. Tower cleared us to takeoff from that position we taxied up to the threshold for Runway 8R and departed. First [threat] was change of runway which cut our taxi from 6 minutes to 2 minutes. Taxi also changed from no hold short crossing runway or approach; to multiple possible ones. [We needed more] communication with Ground to understand the new instructions. Our workload [was high] with engine start; checklist completion; and taxiing. Communication is number one between crew and ATC. Taxing without knowing where we need to hold short. I learned that I need to request to hold our position with the Captain and ATC if needed when I'm not incomplete understanding of the taxi instructions. Clarify with ATC anytime there we are not sure of a hold short even if it is an approach end. Also on very short taxi to hold at push back get the engine started and do the taxi checklist before we start moving. That will allow me to be more of a help on taxi.


Second narrative: We pushed back from the gate at ELP. We called for taxi and it was to taxi to Runway 8 via Kilo. The 8 approach was almost immediate and we could see the Kilo signs and knew Runway 8 was in the distance. I don't remember a hold short instruction. I was taxiing slowly as it was confusing. Once we were just past the 8 approach hold line; I alerted the First Officer of the uncertainty; he immediately called Ground. They told us to contact Tower and they immediately cleared us for takeoff; runway heading. Nothing else was said by them. Better situational awareness on my part would have greatly reduced the threat. Yes; I looked at the Company's airport page; but what I didn't realize is that we were so close to the runway approach hold short line. The ATIS was also advertising two other runways (west bound) for takeoff. My mental game plan was for a long taxi. Instead we were starting up engine 1 immediately; not during a long taxi. This was a diversion of attention and situational awareness. Stop; regroup; and change the game plan or taxi plan. At some airports; we are not allowed to stop and sometimes we transfer this behavior to all airports. This is where I should have taken my time and got reacquainted with our new departure runway (which was right ahead of us and now a few miles away). We had no time constraints-weather; etc-to rush us.


Synopsis: A flight crew departed their ELP gate and cleared to taxi to Runway 8R when they expected a long taxi to Runway 26 and almost immediately entered 8R at K; surprised at how close the runway was to the terminal.