Phraseology help Contacting Tower

General Discussion Pilot Talk
1

Hello,
Sometimes when I am switched over to tower (or the controller covering tower), I am not always ready for takeoff. How should I tell them this? Should I wait to call up? Thanks!

2

A Pilot should make all preparations so that they are ready for takeoff when approaching the holding short location. Having said that the pilot should call “ready” when they are ready for takeoff. The hold short location isn’t the place you spend a lot of time. At a busy airport you dont want to hold up all the other pilots and ATC.

Short answer is be ready as you approach the hold short, OR tell ATC that you need X minutes to be ready for departure.

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3

You are either “ready for departure” or “will report ready for departure”. The ATCO in question may then ask you how long until you will be ready - be honest, don’t rush getting ready for departure.

PS: the word “takeoff” can STRICTLY and ONLY be used as part of an actual takeoff-clearance (instruction and readback of instruction)! In all other communications regarding this matter you have to use the word “departure”.

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4

Ok, thanks!

5

Depends what you’re flying. In a piston powered aircraft, it’s assumed you’ll need a runup upon reaching the end.

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6

Run ups areas are not hold shorts areas before the runway… These procedures have a dedicated area at the GA apron.

Jack Wall
1170924

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7

Hi,

I fly piston powered aircraft a lot and i need to do a runup before departure.
Usually when i request taxi i tell them “I will need about 2 minutes before departure for run up checks, i will report ready”.
Sometimes then ATC will tell me to taxi to an intersection so i don’t block the flow of traffic.

If you don’t need run up but you are not ready, just say “Not ready for departure, need x minutes/seconds”.

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8

When you operate a light aircraft you will rarely need and request a full length departure, but an intersection anyways, problem solved. And IRL ATCOs know that piston aircraft will require a short moment before departure, because they need to complete their engine and other safety checks.

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