Clearance ? and Direction of Flight ?

[HenryR]

Okay, here are three questions that I would appreciate some direction on.

Today I flew from KSNA to KLAS, originating from the East Ramp at KSNA. My ground clearance was "taxi to RWY 19R via Alpha, Lima, hold short RWY 19L and call TWR for crossing clearance. " When I got to 19L, I called the tower on 119.9 (since it was 19L) and was given "cross RWY 19L, cleared for TO RWY 19R." The first question is, was I correct to call the tower on 119.9, even though I was ultimately taxiing to RWY 19R. Second question is, once I was airborne, would I expect the tower to call me on 126.8 or on 119.9 since I was talking to them on that frequency? I got the call from the tower to switch to SOCAL departure, but since I had 119.9 in the box on COM2 and 126.8 on COM1, and was monitoring both frequencies, I'm not sure which one they called me on!

Also, I flew (offline-- sorry, Keith ) from KLAS on the BOACH5 departure to KSAN on the LYNDI3 arrival at an altitude of FL280. From BOACH to ZELMA, my course was 165, then from ZELMA onward was >180. Since my overall course was towards the west, was it proper to be at FL280 (even on the leg from BOACH to ZELMA)? Okay, it's probably a stupid question, but it's not my first, and certainly won't be my last!

Anyway, thanks to anyone who can advise...

Henry

[Anthony Santanastaso]

Today I flew from KSNA to KLAS, originating from the East Ramp at KSNA. My ground clearance was "taxi to RWY 19R via Alpha, Lima, hold short RWY 19L and call TWR for crossing clearance. " When I got to 19L, I called the tower on 119.9 (since it was 19L) and was given "cross RWY 19L, cleared for TO RWY 19R." The first question is, was I correct to call the tower on 119.9, even though I was ultimately taxiing to RWY 19R. Second question is, once I was airborne, would I expect the tower to call me on 126.8 or on 119.9 since I was talking to them on that frequency? I got the call from the tower to switch to SOCAL departure, but since I had 119.9 in the box on COM2 and 126.8 on COM1, and was monitoring both frequencies, I'm not sure which one they called me on!

You would call tower on 126.8, since they are in control of that runway. The controllers would coordinate the crossing over runway 19L.

Also, I flew (offline-- sorry, Keith ) from KLAS on the BOACH5 departure to KSAN on the LYNDI3 arrival at an altitude of FL280. From BOACH to ZELMA, my course was 165, then from ZELMA onward was >180. Since my overall course was towards the west, was it proper to be at FL280 (even on the leg from BOACH to ZELMA)? Okay, it's probably a stupid question, but it's not my first, and certainly won't be my last!

The en route portion of your flight is westbound; therefore, you would choose an even altitude.

[HenryR]

Thanks for clearing that up, Anthony. I had never faced that situation (crossing) before. If I had gotten the clearance (when I called the tower) to cross 19L and hold short of 19R, I would have definitely known to use 126.8 (when holding short of 19R). But, since you're saying I should have used 126.8 to get the crossing clearance for 19L, I guess I was wrong anyway! At least this way, I learned something!

Thanks to you and all the PE controllers for being so patient, and for helping us learn correct procedures.

[Anthony Santanastaso]

Thanks for clearing that up, Anthony. I had never faced that situation (crossing) before. If I had gotten the clearance (when I called the tower) to cross 19L and hold short of 19R, I would have definitely known to use 126.8 (when holding short of 19R). But, since you're saying I should have used 126.8 to get the crossing clearance for 19L, I guess I was wrong anyway! At least this way, I learned something!

Thanks to you and all the PE controllers for being so patient, and for helping us learn correct procedures.

I can understand your confusion. From observation, it appears as if SNA Ground (sometimes/usually/under certain circumstances) keeps the aircraft on their frequency until after the crossing is complete, and then has the aircraft contact tower. The uncertainty is because it changes depending on the circumstances. For example, if a lot of commercial traffic is holding in line awaiting departure off of 19R, aircraft may be monitoring 126.8 in sequence holding short of A and L. I think it comes down to if you have any doubt, simply ask for clarification.