There’s one thing that nearly all pilots at KSBP have in common: we talk to ATC.
In most cases, communicating with air traffic control is a stress-free event. But a sure-fire way to ruin the peaceful experience is by not following the orders given to you by the tower.
That’s why we’re bringing you Tips From the Tower: real advice from the men and women behind the voices.
1. understand “line up and wait” vs. “hold short”
Hold short:
When the tower asks you to hold short of the runway, they want you to taxi up to but NOT CROSS OVER the hold short bars. Do not enter the runway environment. This is what the runway holding position marking looks like where you can be asked to hold short:
Line up and wait:
When the tower asks you to line up and wait, they’d like you to cross over the hold short bars (shown above) and enter onto the runway. Line up on the centerline as if you were about to take off, but don’t do the taking off part. Hold your position on the runway until you are told to take off.
2. Student pilots soloing should identify themselves as “student pilots”
As you’ll see in tip #4, the tower is here to help us. If you let your air traffic controller know that you are a student pilot during your taxi calls, it allows him or her to assist you with a closer eye.
3. No delay means NO DELAY!
Though the tower may have to work harder to resequence you, they will never be mad at you for declaring you are unable to handle a request. If an air traffic controller asks you to perform any task followed by “no delay” and you are not able to perform that task quickly and safely, just say “unable.” The tower will take it from there.
4. Tower is here to help you
Period. ATC wants to help you, not intimidate you. If there is something you need assistance with either in the air or on the ground, don’t be afraid to ask the tower. (If your question isn't pressing, though, consider waiting to ask it until the controllers don’t have sixteen other people in the pattern!)
All tips have been graciously donated to us by Dylan Krassensky, Air Traffic Manager for KSBP.