Ensure you are lined up on RWY 4

juan valdez

juan valdez

Well-Known Member
Been working a line job at Hobby here in Houston now for about two months. Without double checking I believe the runways are 4/22, 12/30 R&L, and 17/35. 90% or more of the flights take off/land on either 4/22 or 12R/30L and often times they use both simutaneous for landing/departures.
Anyway, my question is a couple weeks ago 4 was in use and several times the controller issued "Taxi onto rwy 4, ensure you are on rwy 4, cleared for takeoff".
I thought this was kind of weird as I had never heard them say it before and haven't heard it since. This was for several departures, including Southwest who has a zillion flights in/out a day there.

Any one have any insight into this request?
 
juan valdez said:
Been working a line job at Hobby here in Houston now for about two months. Without double checking I believe the runways are 4/22, 12/30 R&L, and 17/35. 90% or more of the flights take off/land on either 4/22 or 12R/30L and often times they use both simutaneous for landing/departures.
Anyway, my question is a couple weeks ago 4 was in use and several times the controller issued "Taxi onto rwy 4, ensure you are on rwy 4, cleared for takeoff".
I thought this was kind of weird as I had never heard them say it before and haven't heard it since. This was for several departures, including Southwest who has a zillion flights in/out a day there.

Any one have any insight into this request?
Click to expand...

Maybe due to the approach end of RW 4 being right next to the middle of 35. Didn't want someone turning onto 4 and ending up point north. Though if you check the compass/HSI/DG as a habit, this shouldn't happen.
 
Could be but just thought it was weird they only issued it on that one day. They use 4 on a daily basis and I haven't heard it since.
Maybe there was an incident or almost incident earlier? :confused:
 
Used to work at Hobby....don't know why the controller didn't say RY4 position and hold or just RY4 cleared for takeoff, ensure you are lined up on RY4. Phraseology is a little nasty.

Even though RY4 and RY35 approach ends are not really close, but you will not believe how many aircraft will be cleared for takeoff on RY4 and turn due north bound and try to depart RY35. This generally happens with smaller aircraft, but I have seen it with Mexican Citations as well. If the aircraft is departing full length of RY4 or from G taxiway (which is essentially full length entering from the north side of the field) you don't really run into this problem. If the aircraft is on the south side of the field from Wilson Aviation and holding short of RY4 at K-1 intersection, you will get planes lining up for the wrong runway. They just end up lining up for RY35 at K-1 instead of RY4 at K-1. Who knows.

Hobby has quite a few RY4 configurations depending on winds....a common flow is to land 12R, depart 12R, 12L, 17, and 22. That is called South flow.

Another flow they use a lot is called "Church flow". They arrive RY4 and depart RY12R and 12L. They also use a modified church flow when hours other than church hours in which they will land RY4, depart RY4, 12R, 12L, 35, 30R, and 30L.

Here is article with pictures I wrote about Hobby Tower and explains the equipment they use. If you ever want a tower tour there, I could set you up with the right people.

Houston Hobby Tower Tour

Hope this helps, take care.
 
LawnGnome said:
Even though RY4 and RY35 approach ends are not really close, but you will not believe how many aircraft will be cleared for takeoff on RY4 and turn due north bound and try to depart RY35. This generally happens with smaller aircraft, but I have seen it with Mexican Citations as well. If the aircraft is departing full length of RY4 or from G taxiway (which is essentially full length entering from the north side of the field) you don't really run into this problem. If the aircraft is on the south side of the field from Wilson Aviation and holding short of RY4 at K-1 intersection, you will get planes lining up for the wrong runway. They just end up lining up for RY35 at K-1 instead of RY4 at K-1. Who knows.

.
Click to expand...

Thats what I figured.
 
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