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Takeoff Clearances
Takeoff Clearances
Prior to clearing an aircraft for takeoff, four items should always be verified:
Departure release received (if required)
A scan of all final approaches to the same, crossing, and or parallel runway(s)
No traffic currently on the runway or crossing downfield
Ensure approved separation is ensured between other departing/arriving traffic
3−9−10. TAKEOFF CLEARANCE
a. When issuing a clearance for takeoff, first state the runway number followed by the takeoff clearance.
PHRASEOLOGY− RUNWAY (number), CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF.
NOTE− Turbine−powered aircraft may be considered ready for takeoff when they reach the runway unless they advise otherwise.
b. When clearing an aircraft for takeoff from an intersection, state the runway intersection.
PHRASEOLOGY− RUNWAY (number) AT (taxiway designator) CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF.
e. State the runway to be crossed with the takeoff clearance if the aircraft is not able to complete a runway crossing before reaching its departure runway.
PHRASEOLOGY− CROSS RUNWAY (number), RUNWAY (number) CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF.
i. USA/USN/USAF. Issue surface wind and takeoff clearance to aircraft.
PHRASEOLOGY− RUNWAY (number), WIND (surface wind in direction and velocity). CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF.
***Remember, USA/USN/USAF designated procedures and phraseology are ONLY to be used at those specified facilities. The USA/USN/USAF designation does NOT apply to specific aircraft***
3−9−11. CANCELLATION OF TAKEOFF CLEARANCE
Cancel a previously issued clearance for takeoff and inform the pilot of the reason if circumstances require. Once an aircraft has started takeoff roll, cancel the takeoff clearance only for the purpose of safety. In no case should a takeoff clearance be canceled after an aircraft has started its takeoff roll solely for the purpose of meeting traffic management requirements/EDCT.
PHRASEOLOGY− CANCEL TAKEOFF CLEARANCE (reason).
3−9−4. LINE UP AND WAIT (LUAW)
a. The intent of LUAW is to position aircraft for an imminent departure. Authorize an aircraft to line up and wait, except as restricted in subpara g, when takeoff clearances cannot be issued because of traffic. Issue traffic information to any aircraft so authorized. Traffic information may be omitted when the traffic is another aircraft which has landed on or is taking off the runway and is clearly visible to the holding aircraft. Do not use conditional phrases such as “behind landing traffic” or “after the departing aircraft.”
b. First state the runway number followed by the line up and wait clearance.
PHRASEOLOGY− RUNWAY (number), LINE UP AND WAIT.
NOTE−An aircraft should not be in LUAW status for more than 90 seconds without additional instructions.
c. Procedures.
1. At facilities without a safety logic system or facilities with the safety logic system in the limited configuration:
(a) Do not issue a landing clearance to an aircraft requesting a full−stop, touch−and−go, stop−and−go, option, or unrestricted low approach on the same runway with an aircraft that is holding in position or taxiing to line up and wait until the aircraft in position starts takeoff roll.
PHRASEOLOGY− RUNWAY (number), CONTINUE, TRAFFIC HOLDING IN POSITION
(b) Do not authorize an aircraft to LUAW if an aircraft has been cleared to land, touch−and−go, stop−and–go, option, or unrestricted low approach on the same runway.
d. When an aircraft is authorized to line up and wait, inform it of the closest traffic within 6−flying miles requesting a full−stop, touch−and−go, stop− and− go, option, or unrestricted low approach to the same runway.
g. Do not authorize an aircraft to line up and wait at anytime when the intersection is not visible from the tower.
h. Do not authorize aircraft to simultaneously line up and wait on the same runway.
j. When aircraft are authorized to line up and wait on runways that intersect, traffic must be exchanged between that aircraft and the aircraft that is authorized to line up and wait, depart, or arrive to the intersecting runway(s).
EXAMPLE - “Delta One, Runway Four, line up and wait, traffic landing Runway Three−One.” “United Five, Runway Three−One, cleared to land. Traffic holding in position Runway Four.”
m. When authorizing an aircraft to line up and wait at an intersection, state the runway intersection.
PHRASEOLOGY− RUNWAY (number) AT (taxiway designator), LINE UP AND WAIT.
Landing Clearances
Landing Clearances
3−10−6. ANTICIPATING SEPARATION
a. Landing clearance to succeeding aircraft in a landing sequence need not be withheld if you observe the positions of the aircraft and determine that prescribed runway separation will exist when the aircraft crosses the landing threshold. Issue traffic information to the succeeding aircraft if a preceding arrival has not been previously reported and when traffic will be departing prior to their arrival.
EXAMPLE - “American Two Forty−Five, Runway One−Eight, cleared to land. Traffic will depart prior to your arrival.”
NOTE− Landing sequence number is optional at tower facilities where the arrival sequence to the runway is established by the approach control.
b. Anticipating separation must not be applied when conducting LUAW operations
3−10−5. LANDING CLEARANCE
a. When issuing a clearance to land, first state the runway number followed by the landing clearance. If the landing runway is changed, controllers must preface the landing clearance with “Change to runway” followed by the runway number. Controllers must then restate the runway number followed by the landing clearance.
PHRASEOLOGY− RUNWAY (number) CLEARED TO LAND.
CHANGE TO RUNWAY (number, RUNWAY (number) CLEARED TO LAND.
c. Facilities without a safety logic system or facilities with the safety logic system inoperative or in the limited configuration must not clear an aircraft for a full−stop, touch−and−go, stop−and−go, option, or unrestricted low approach when a departing aircraft has been instructed to line up and wait or is holding in position on the same runway. The landing clearance may be issued once the aircraft in position has started takeoff roll.
d. Inform the closest aircraft that is requesting a full−stop, touch−and−go, stop−and−go, option, or unrestricted low approaches when there is traffic authorized to line up and wait on the same runway.
EXAMPLE− “Delta One, Runway One−Eight, continue, traffic holding in position.”
e. USA/USN/USAF. Issue runway identifier along with surface wind when clearing an aircraft to land, touch and go, stop and go, low approach, or the option.
PHRASEOLOGY− RUNWAY (number), WIND (surface wind direction and velocity), CLEARED TO LAND
3−10−9. RUNWAY EXITING
a. Instruct aircraft where to turn-off the runway after landing, when appropriate, and advise the aircraft to hold short of a runway or taxiway if required for traffic.
PHRASEOLOGY− TURN LEFT/RIGHT (taxiway/runway), or
IF ABLE, TURN LEFT/RIGHT (taxiway/runway), and if required
HOLD SHORT OF (runway).
NOTE− Runway exiting or taxi instructions should not normally be issued to an aircraft prior to, or immediately after, touchdown.
***Nowhere in the above section does it say "EXIT RIGHT/LEFT WHEN ABLE" is approved phraseology. The aircraft will exit the runway when they can, and unless you absolutely NEED them to take a specific taxiway, just let them be. Issue an appropriate control instruction as they are clearing the runway.***
2−1−5. EXPEDITIOUS COMPLIANCE
a. Use the word “immediately” only when expeditious compliance is required to avoid an imminent situation.
b. Use the word “expedite” only when prompt compliance is required to avoid the development of an imminent situation.
c. In either case, if time permits, include the reason for this action.
The Traffic Pattern
The Traffic Pattern
The traffic pattern is a defined lateral and vertical path used by aircraft in the tower environment in order to organize traffic flow. It is normally flown at 1000ft AGL and Jet aircraft 500' above the set traffic pattern altitude. Patterns should be between 1/2nm and 1nm from the runway center line. The traffic pattern is primarily used by VFR aircraft, but can also be utilized for IFR aircraft making a visual approach/circling to the airport.
VFR Departures
VFR Departures
3−10−11. CLOSED TRAFFIC
Approve/disapprove pilot requests to remain in closed traffic for successive operations subject to local traffic conditions.
PHRASEOLOGY− LEFT/RIGHT (if required) CLOSED TRAFFIC APPROVED. REPORT (position if required), or
UNABLE CLOSED TRAFFIC, (additional information as required).
DEPARTING THE AIRSPACE
There's a few methods we can use to sequence VFR departures out of the tower environment.
1. On Course - This allows the aircraft to turn directly on course after departure. Absent any other control instructions in a takeoff clearance, aircraft can be expected to do this.
EXAMPLE - "N293ND runway 17 cleared for takeoff, on course"
2. Pattern Leg - This instructs the aircraft to depart the airspace on a specific pattern leg based on their direction of flight.
EXAMPLE - "N293ND, right downwind departure approved, runway 17 cleared for takeoff"
3. Specific Heading - This should only be given when required by SOP.
EXAMPLE - "N293ND, turn right heading 200, runway 17 cleared for takeoff"
VFR Arrivals
VFR Arrivals
3−1−13. ESTABLISHING TWO−WAY COMMUNICATIONS
Pilots are required to establish two-way radio communications before entering Class C/D airspace. If the controller responds to a radio call with, “(a/c call sign) standby,” radio communications have been established and the pilot can enter the Class C/D airspace. If workload or traffic conditions prevent immediate provision of Class C/D services, inform the pilot to remain outside the Class C/D airspace until conditions permit the services to be provided.
PHRASEOLOGY− (A/c call sign) REMAIN OUTSIDE CHARLIE/DELTA AIRSPACE AND STANDBY
3−10−1. LANDING INFORMATION
Provide current landing information, as appropriate, to arriving aircraft. Landing information contained in the ATIS broadcast may be omitted if the pilot states the appropriate ATIS code. Runway, wind, and altimeter may be omitted if a pilot uses the phrase “have numbers.” Issue landing information by including the following:
a. Specific traffic pattern information.
PHRASEOLOGY− ENTER LEFT/RIGHT BASE.
ENTER LEFT/RIGHT DOWNWIND.
MAKE STRAIGHT−IN.
CONTINUE.
NOTE− Additional information should normally be issued with instructions to continue. Example: “continue, report one mile final”
b. Runway in use.
c. Surface wind.
d. Altimeter setting.
f. Clearance to land.
g. Requests for additional position reports. Use prominent geographical fixes which can be easily recognized from the air, preferably those depicted on sectional charts. This does not preclude the use of the legs of the traffic pattern as reporting points.
h. Ceiling and visibility if either is below basic VFR minima.
i. Low level wind shear or microburst advisories when available.
j. Issue braking action for the runway in use as received from pilots when braking action advisories are in effect.
EXAMPLE#1 - "Waco tower, N123AB 8 miles southwest, full stop." "N123AB Waco tower, wind 190 @ 15, altimeter 29.92, enter right downwind runway 19"
EXAMPLE#2 - "Waco tower, N293ND 7 miles northeast, full stop with information delta." "N293ND Waco tower, enter left base runway 19"
4−8−6. CIRCLING APPROACH
IFR aircraft that intend to "circle-to-land" for an instrument approach shall be given pattern entry instructions, as appropriate.
a. Circling approach instructions may only be given for aircraft landing at airports with operational control towers.
b. When the direction of the circling maneuver in relation to the airport/runway is required, state the direction (eight cardinal compass points) and specify a left or right base/downwind leg as appropriate.
PHRASEOLOGY - CIRCLE (direction using eight cardinal compass points) OF THE AIRPORT/RUNWAY FOR A LEFT/RIGHT BASE/DOWNWIND TO RUNWAY (number).
EXAMPLE - "N123AB circle west of the airport for a right downwind to runway 17"
Pattern Spacing and Sequencing
Pattern Spacing and Sequencing
2−4−21. DESCRIPTION OF AIRCRAFT TYPES
a. Except for super and heavy aircraft, describe aircraft as follows when issuing traffic information.
1. Manufacturer’s model or type designator.
2. Add the manufacturer’s name, company name or color when considered advantageous.
EXAMPLES - "Tri-Pacer" "P A 22" "Yellow Piper Tri-Pacer"
d. When issuing traffic information to aircraft following a super aircraft, specify the word super before the manufacturer’s name and model.
e. When issuing traffic information to aircraft following a heavy aircraft, specify the word heavy before the manufacturer’s name and model.
3−1−6. TRAFFIC INFORMATION
b. Describe the relative position of traffic in an easy to understand manner.
EXAMPLE - "N123AB traffic is a Skyhawk turning base runway 19" "N293ND traffic is an E145 3 mile final runway 19"
3−8−1. SEQUENCE/SPACING APPLICATION
Establish the sequence of arriving and departing aircraft by requiring them to adjust flight or ground operation, as necessary, to achieve proper spacing.
PHRASEOLOGY -
EXTEND DOWNWIND.
MAKE SHORT APPROACH.
NUMBER (landing sequence number),
FOLLOW (description and location of traffic),
TRAFFIC (description and location) LANDING RUNWAY (number of runway being used).
MAKE LEFT/RIGHT THREE−SIXTY/TWO SEVENTY.
GO AROUND (additional instructions as necessary).
CLEARED TO LAND.
CLEARED TOUCH−AND−GO.
CLEARED STOP−AND−GO.
CLEARED LOW APPROACH.
CLEARED FOR THE OPTION ,and if applicable UNABLE (type of option)
EXAMPLES
"N6263K extend downwind, traffic is a Baron 3 mile final" (He reports Baron in sight) "N6263K follow the baron, runway 17 cleared for the option number two, unable stop and go"
"N123AB traffic is a Citation 4 mile final, make short approach, runway 19 cleared to land"
"OSTATE29 go around, make right traffic runway 17, vehicle on the runway"
"N817MC, traffic is a heavy Boeing 767 midfield downwind runway 16L" (He reports the B767 in sight) "N817MC follow the heavy Boeing 767, runway 16L cleared to land number two, caution wake turbulence"
VFR Transitions
VFR Transitions
3−1−11. SURFACE AREA RESTRICTIONS
a. If traffic conditions permit, approve a pilot’s request to cross Class C or Class D surface areas or exceed the Class C or Class D airspace speed limit. Do not, however, approve a speed in excess of 250 knots (288 mph) unless the pilot informs you a higher minimum speed is required.
PHRASEOLOGY - (Direction) TRANSITION APPROVED. (Restrictions as applicable)
NOTE - Aircraft wishing to transition Bravo airspace are still required to be cleared through Bravo airspace
EXAMPLE -
N123AB: "Waco tower, N123AB 7 miles southwest with information kilo, request to transition the delta airspace to the north"
ACT TWR: "N123AB, Waco tower, northbound transition approved, remain west of runway 19"
Special VFR Clearances
Special VFR Clearances
As mentioned before, Special VFR (SVFR), allows pilots to fly in much more restrictive weather conditions than VFR while not having to be on an active IFR flight plan. SVFR can only be solicited by pilots and you should only honor it if workload permits. Additionally, SVFR is not allowed to delay any IFR operations
7−5−1. AUTHORIZATION
a. SVFR operations in weather conditions less than basic VFR minima are authorized:
1. At any location not prohibited by 14 CFR Part 91, Appendix D or when an exemption to 14 CFR Part 91 has been granted and an associated LOA established. 14 CFR Part 91 does not prohibit SVFR helicopter operations.
2. Only within the lateral boundaries of Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E surface areas, below 10,000 feet MSL.
3. Only when requested by the pilot.
4. On the basis of weather conditions reported at the airport of intended landing/departure.
5. When weather conditions are not reported at the airport of intended landing/departure and the pilot advises that VFR cannot be maintained and requests SVFR.
PHRASEOLOGY− CLEARED TO ENTER/OUT OF/THROUGH, (name) SURFACE AREA and if required, (direction) OF (name) AIRPORT (specified routing), and MAINTAIN SPECIAL V−F−R CONDITIONS, and if required, AT OR BELOW (altitude below 10,000 feet MSL)
EXAMPLE - "N123AB cleared out of Waco surface area, maintain special VFR conditions."
Additional Landing Information
Additional Landing Information
3−3−4. BRAKING ACTION
Furnish quality of braking action, as received from pilots, to all aircraft as follows:
a. Describe the quality of braking action using the terms “good,” “good to medium,” “medium,” “medium to poor,” “poor,” or “nil.” If the pilot reports braking action in other than the approved terms, ask him/her to categorize braking action in these terms.
b. Include type of aircraft from which the report is received.
EXAMPLE− “Braking action medium, reported by a heavy Boeing Seven Sixty−Seven.” “Braking action poor, reported by a Boeing Seven Thirty−Seven.”
Runway Visibility Range (RVR)
RVR is a measured distance that an aircraft can expect to see down the runway. It is usually measured in feet and included in a METAR like this:
KDFW 061253Z AUTO 17004KT 1/2SM R17C/1000V2000FT FG BKN002 27/27 A3002
2−8−2. ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE RUNWAY VISIBILITY
a. Issue current touchdown RVR for the runway(s) in use:
1. When prevailing visibility is 1 mile or less regardless of the value indicated.
2. When RVR indicates a reportable value regardless of the prevailing visibility. NOTE− Reportable values are RVR 6,000 feet or less.
c. Local control must issue the current RVR to each aircraft prior to landing or departure.
2−8−3. TERMINOLOGY
a. Provide RVR information by stating the runway, the abbreviation RVR, and the indicated value. When issued along with other weather elements, transmit these values in the normal sequence used for weather reporting.
c. When there is a requirement to issue an RVR value and a visibility condition greater or less than the reportable values of the equipment is indicated, state the condition as “MORE THAN” or “LESS THAN” the appropriate minimum or maximum readable value.
EXAMPLE− “Runway Three Six RVR more than Six Thousand.” “Runway Niner RVR One Thousand, rollout less than Six Hundred.”
d. When a readout indicates a rapidly varying visibility condition report the current value followed by the range of visibility variance.
EXAMPLE - “Runway Two Four RVR Two Thousand, variable One Thousand Six Hundred to Three Thousand.”
2−1−25. WHEELS DOWN CHECK
USA/USN. Remind aircraft to check wheels down on each approach unless the pilot has previously reported wheels down for that approach.
PHRASEOLOGY− CHECK WHEELS DOWN.
***Remember, the USA/USN designation means that this only applies to landing clearances at Army and Navy airports, not aircraft***
End of Lesson 2
End of Lesson 2
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