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What is the expectation from a tower controller after issuing a takeoff clearance? Is the pilot expected to roll immediately, within seconds of acknowledging the clearance, or is it acceptable to complete final "before takeoff" checklist items consuming 15-20 seconds before you start to roll? Is there a difference between the expectation of a plane at the hold-short line, vs one sitting on the runway after being cleared to line up and wait?

From my real-world flying days (from a long time ago), I distinctly remember "cleared for takeoff" (the usual clearance) and "cleared for immediate takeoff, no delay" (when they wanted us to roll right now). Is this distinction still made on take off clearances when needed?

-M.

As far as I remember within Europe\Germany the Controller expectet that I''ll start my takeoff roll within one minute. If he/she wants me to be more quickly then they request if I'm able for a immedate T/O and clear me for a immedate T/O so that I start my T/O toll without any delay. So far for Europe.

Mark Hargrove wrote:What is the expectation from a tower controller after issuing a takeoff clearance? Is the pilot expected to roll immediately, within seconds of acknowledging the clearance, or is it acceptable to complete final "before takeoff" checklist items consuming 15-20 seconds before you start to roll? Is there a difference between the expectation of a plane at the hold-short line, vs one sitting on the runway after being cleared to line up and wait?

From my real-world flying days (from a long time ago), I distinctly remember "cleared for takeoff" (the usual clearance) and "cleared for immediate takeoff, no delay" (when they wanted us to roll right now). Is this distinction still made on take off clearances when needed?

-M.

Hi Mark,

To answer your question, I am going to point you in a couple of official places as well as offer my educated opinion.

If you take a look at the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), 4-4-10, Adherence to Clearance, it states:

When air traffic clearance has been obtained under either visual or instrument flight rules, the pilot-in-command of the aircraft must not deviate from the provisions thereof unless an amended clearance is obtained. When ATC issues a clearance or instruction, pilots are expected to execute its provisions upon receipt. ATC, in certain situations, will include the word “IMMEDIATELY” in a clearance or instruction to impress urgency of an imminent situation and expeditious compliance by the pilot is expected and necessary for safety.

Also, in AIM, Section 5: Pilot/Controller Roles and Responsibilities, it reiterates the following:

Promptly complies with an air traffic clearance upon receipt except as necessary to cope with an emergency. Advises ATC as soon as possible and obtains an amended clearance, if deviation is necessary.

Notice that the AIM does not specify an amount of time that would be deemed as being "prompt." Before we discuss what is generally understood as far as timing is concerned, there is one more quote to acknowledge. A clearance, or control instruction, is defined by the AIM as follows:

A clearance issued by ATC is predicated on known traffic and known physical airport conditions. An ATC clearance means an authorization by ATC, for the purpose of preventing collision between known aircraft, for an aircraft to proceed under specified conditions within controlled airspace.

The above definition of a clearance helps us to better determine the timing of your compliance. The clearance which is "predicated on known traffic and known physical airport conditions" can radically change within the 15-20 seconds it takes you to begin your takeoff roll. Why wouldn't ATC issue you a clearance "immediately" then? The term immediately, as previously defined, is used in order to impress urgency of an imminent situation. 10 seconds ago the situation wasn't urgent; however, after 20 seconds, the situation changes as the gap of separation closes.

Also, consider how your delay affects future commands. What if the controller needs to issue your takeoff clearance, followed by a runway crossing instruction, and another takeoff clearance for a helicopter from the run-up pad? By you delaying, you have disrupted the expeditious flow of traffic within the entire airport operating area.

As a rule of thumb, I would think it wise to not perform any checklists after receiving a takeoff clearance. All checklists should be completed prior to receiving the clearance, otherwise you should inform ATC that you are unable to depart. Generally speaking, if you need more than 3-5 seconds, simply state "Unable" with a reason and ATC will withhold your takeoff clearance until you can promptly comply with the instruction.

Lastly, to leave you with one good example, at KJFK often times jets leaving from Terminals 2 and 3, like Delta, flying to south-westbound exit points (e.g., RBV, DIXIE, WHITE, ARD) will receive Runway 31L at KE. The taxi is so short that their cabin crew doesn't get a chance to finish their mandatory safety announcements by the time that Local wants to issue them a takeoff clearance. The pilot dutifully notifies ATC that they need another minute (or seconds) to finish the announcement before they can depart. Here is an example where open and honest communication leads to the efficient delivery and compliance of ATC instructions.

I hope this helps to answer your question.

Just to add one more note to my previous response, I think that it is important to identify the difference between the acceptable promptness at a quiet Class D airport isolated from congested airspace to that of a control instruction issued at a busy Class B airport. In determining a threshold of timing, I would advise all pilots to practice good situational awareness and ADM (Aeronautical Decision Making).

Combined with the explanation and examples I gave above, you as the PIC should be able to make an educated decision based upon the safe operation of your aircraft in consideration and compliance with ATC's objective to organize and expedite the flow of traffic.