with the option , numbers

[falopz]

hi new here....can anyone tell me what does mean when a controler says the word option and with the numbers.....i saw the videos in YTwhen flying a pattern, the controller uses those words.....


other thing in my country when approaching a field, we say norht franc or south franc when passing the tower, i see in america thay say midfield, is this correct?

thanks

[Cyrus]

"The Numbers"

In my experience with ATC (all online), these are the contexts in which you might hear this...

1. When a pilot says to a Ground controller, "Parked at XXX, with the numbers, request taxi, etc." she is saying "I have the current ATIS information". It is an alternative to "with information [Tango/latest ATIS]".

2. If you're about to descend to your arrival airport, it is prudent to let the Center/Radar controller know that you "have The Numbers [for DESTINATION AIRPORT]", which means that you have already received the latest ATIS for that airport.

3. One other context is to describe your position in the field pattern. For example, "Enter Right Downwind and report abeam The Numbers" means that you should let the Tower know when you are *adjacent* to the large numbers (e.g. "19R") painted onto the departure end of the runway. This is nothing to do with the first two contexts.


"The Option"

This is usually used when giving a landing clearance for someone doing closed traffic (pattern work). "N123AB, Cleared for the option, runway 19L" and means you are free to land (full stop), do a touch-and-go, or a low pass. You *do not* need to inform the Tower controller which one you are choosing (just repeat back that you are "Cleared for the option, runway xxx" since they have already cleared you to choose yourself (which means they are aware of what each choice could mean and have taken this into account with other arriving, departing and ground traffic).


"Midfield"

This is simply the location on a downwind or upwind leg that is HALF WAY along the length of the runway. "Reporting Mid-Field" is usually followed by a landing clearance or instructions to follow other traffic on to base and final approach.


Please note: My answers are from the perspective of a pilot-in-training. I'm ready and happy to be corrected....

[Anthony Santanastaso]

Cyrus is correct, and I'd like to add some excerpts from various training documents.

Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), 4-1-13

While it is a good operating practice for pilots to make use of the ATIS broadcast where it is available, some pilots use the phrase “have numbers” in communications with the control tower. Use of this phrase means that the pilot has received wind, runway, and altimeter information ONLY and the tower does not have to repeat this information. It does not indicate receipt of the ATIS broadcast and should never be used for this purpose.

Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), 4-3-22

The “Cleared for the Option” procedure will permit an instructor, flight examiner or pilot the option to make a touch−and−go, low approach, missed approach, stop−and−go, or full top landing. This procedure can be very beneficial in a training situation in that neither the student pilot nor examinee would know what maneuver would be accomplished. The pilot should make a request for this procedure passing the final approach fix inbound on an instrument approach or entering downwind for a VFR traffic pattern. The advantages of this procedure as a training aid are that it enables an instructor or examiner to obtain the reaction of a trainee or examinee under changing conditions, the pilot would not have to discontinue an approach in the middle of the procedure due to student error or pilot proficiency requirements, and finally it allows more flexibility and economy in training programs. This procedure will only be used at those locations with an operational control tower and will be subject to ATC approval.

And, here is a useful resource from AOPA for operations at towered airports:
http://flighttraining.aopa.org/students ... rt_Ops.pdf

[Cyrus]

Those were important clarifications.... thanks, Anthony.

(and love that PDF!)

[falopz]

s thank for that ultra needed and detailed info for pilots outside usa that want to join Pilot Edge....

Luis

[Anthony Santanastaso]

s thank for that ultra needed and detailed info for pilots outside usa that want to join Pilot Edge....

You are very welcome, Louis. Welcome to PilotEdge!

Those were important clarifications.... thanks, Anthony. (and love that PDF!)

Cyrus, here is another one you might like:
http://flighttraining.aopa.org/pdfs/SA0 ... rt_Ops.pdf

AOPA Flight Training has other useful resources as well. Here is a link to some of the other documents:
http://flighttraining.aopa.org/students ... index.html