Switching from ground to tower frequency

[wolfstlouis]

At the busy airports does the controller tell every aircraft to switch to tower or do you switch on your own without being told?

 

[MidlifeFlyer]

It depends. At busy airports, you may be expected to have already completed preflight runup or other tasks and they may tell you to switch. At some ATIS may tell you what to do. Absent both, you switch on your own like at not busy ones.

 

[CFIT99]

to piggy back the post above: it all depends and mostly on how busy it is.

1. ground will either tell you to switch
2. there will be a posted sign (i.e. LAS) that tells you to switch
3. it might be in the ATIS (can't remember the last time I saw this and way more common for clearance delivery and metering)
4. it might be an acquired technique and not posted anywhere but is well known if you fly there a lot. (very common)
5. it might just that you're nearing the departure runway and switch.

clear as mud?

 

[wolfstlouis]

to piggy back the post above: it all depends and mostly on how busy it is.

1. ground will either tell you to switch
2. there will be a posted sign (i.e. LAS) that tells you to switch
3. it might be in the ATIS (can't remember the last time I saw this and way more common for clearance delivery and metering)
4. it might be an acquired technique and not posted anywhere but is well known if you fly there a lot. (very common)
5. it might just that you're nearing the departure runway and switch.

clear as mud?

Thanks, I’m actually a controller and was curious what pilots expect. I’m at a slow airport and I don’t believe there are signs. I was always told turbojets are expected to be ready and switch, but curious if controllers at DFW and ORD tell every single plane to switch. It’s probably posted or on the atis at places like those, though. My thinking is we are clogging the frequencies and creating extra work when I just assume pilots should switch once they are approaching the runway.

 

[killbilly]

Thanks, I’m actually a controller and was curious what pilots expect. I’m at a slow airport and I don’t believe there are signs. I was always told turbojets are expected to be ready and switch, but curious if controllers at DFW and ORD tell every single plane to switch. It’s probably posted or on the atis at places like those, though. My thinking is we are clogging the frequencies and creating extra work when I just assume pilots should switch once they are approaching the runway.

Absent specific instructions from a ground controller, I will switch to tower when I’m nearing the departure end - especially if there are no more turn-offs from the taxiway.

 

[CFIT99]

Thanks, I’m actually a controller and was curious what pilots expect. I’m at a slow airport and I don’t believe there are signs. I was always told turbojets are expected to be ready and switch, but curious if controllers at DFW and ORD tell every single plane to switch. It’s probably posted or on the atis at places like those, though. My thinking is we are clogging the frequencies and creating extra work when I just assume pilots should switch once they are approaching the runway.

DFW doesn't, you're expected to switch when at the run-up pad (although they will switch you if they need you to)

ORD is more convoluted...they will and they won't...the only true rule is, if you're confused/lost/etc...just keep moving around the circle.

 

[killbilly]

ORD is more convoluted...they will and they won't...the only true rule is, if you're confused/lost/etc...just keep moving around the circle.

I keep resisting the urge to key up the PA and tell the pax that yes, we really do know where we are, where we are going, please enjoy the scenic tour of O’Hare, but then I remember that they’ve probably been there more than I have.

 

[wolfstlouis]

I keep resisting the urge to key up the PA and tell the pax that yes, we really do know where we are, where we are going, please enjoy the scenic tour of O’Hare, but then I remember that they’ve probably been there more than I have.

Maybe ORD was a terrible airport to compare to the rest of us little guys

 

[luke3]

Most of the time you automatically switch yourself when you're getting close to the holding position. Except ATL. Don't you dare change to tower in ATL without being handed off as it upsets the order of the universe.

 

[MikeD]

Thanks, I’m actually a controller and was curious what pilots expect. I’m at a slow airport and I don’t believe there are signs. I was always told turbojets are expected to be ready and switch, but curious if controllers at DFW and ORD tell every single plane to switch. It’s probably posted or on the atis at places like those, though. My thinking is we are clogging the frequencies and creating extra work when I just assume pilots should switch once they are approaching the runway.

It’s usually an automatic switch, and tower expects that jet aircraft are ready for takeoff when they reach the hold line anyway. AIM 4-3-14b states “The tower controller will consider that pilots of turbine-powered aircraft are ready for takeoff when they reach the runway or warm-up block unless advised otherwise.”

Speaking of tower, I always liked in the 7110.65, 3-9-3, sections 1, 1, and 4 below……..having tower issue change to departure control as part of the takeoff clearance “…cleared for takeoff, change to departure”, so I’m already on departure freq prior to the takeoff roll beginning. For fighters and fighter formation takeoffs. Was always much easier and less hassle. And safer for us during certain times.

1. DEPARTURE CONTROL INSTRUCTIONS

Inform departing IFR, SVFR, VFR aircraft receiving radar service, and TRSA VFR aircraft of the following:

1. Inform all departing IFR military turboprop/turbojet aircraft (except transport and cargo types) to change to departure control frequency. If the local controller has departure frequency override, transmit urgent instructions on this frequency. If the override capability does not exist, transmit urgent instructions on the emergency frequency.

PHRASEOLOGY-

CHANGE TO DEPARTURE.

1. USAF. USAF control towers are authorized to inform all departing IFR military transport/cargo type aircraft operating in formation flight to change to departure control frequency before takeoff.
2. After takeoff.
3. When the aircraft is about 1/2 mile beyond the runway end, instruct civil aircraft, and military transport, and cargo types to contact departure control, provided further communication with you is not required.
4. Do not request departing military turboprop/turbojet aircraft (except transport and cargo types) to make radio frequency or radar beacon changes before the aircraft reaches 2,500 feet above the surface.

 

[bike21]

Very airport specific and not always spelled out. At least clearly.

SEA? As you will.

AMS? Don't even think about it, lest you be scolded in Dutch and made to ride a bicycle into a 100kph headwind as punishment.

 

[MidlifeFlyer]

Thanks, I’m actually a controller and was curious what pilots expect. I’m at a slow airport and I don’t believe there are signs. I was always told turbojets are expected to be ready and switch, but curious if controllers at DFW and ORD tell every single plane to switch. It’s probably posted or on the atis at places like those, though. My thinking is we are clogging the frequencies and creating extra work when I just assume pilots should switch once they are approaching the runway.

I’m in the light GA piston world. Pretty much a “weekend warrior.” What I expect depends on the type of airport and is subject to local procedures such as the establishment of dedicated runup areas or ATIS instructions to remain on Ground.

At an airport with substantial airline traffic, I find a location to complete my runup before calling for taxi. I will sometimes mention to Ground that I do not need a runup. I expect to be told to switch to Tower somewhere along the way. If I’m not, I report ready to go as I get to the departure end of the taxiway.