According to the Aeronautical Information Manual, “Line up and wait is an air traffic control (ATC) procedure designed to position an aircraft onto the runway for an imminent departure. The ATC instruction ‘LINE UP AND WAIT’ is used to instruct a pilot to taxi onto the departure runway and line up and wait.” In earlier aviation days, not that many years ago, this was known as “position and hold” but the phrase was updated to provide additional clarity.
An ATC Procedure
As is indicated by the definition above, line up and wait is an ATC procedure. It is conducted at tower controlled airports where the tower controller knows what he or she has instructed the previous aircraft to do. The reason for a line up and wait instruction is often due to a prior aircraft still being on the current runway or a crossing runway and the controller wanting to expedite the takeoff of the line up and wait aircraft. The reason for expediting this takeoff may be that there is another aircraft on final or in the pattern that will soon be ready to land. The controller is in a position to see all three aircraft and make modifications if the timing is off or there is a delay due to a pilot error in one of the aircraft.
You should be aware, that a line up and wait instruction from ATC is not an authorization to takeoff. You should expect an authorization to takeoff shortly after the controller is satisfied that the condition that delayed you is now safe. If you do not receive a takeoff clearance within a reasonable amount of time, you should contact the controller and remind him or her that you are there. Accidents have occurred after a controller forgot an aircraft waiting on the runway and cleared another airplane to land on that same runway.
A note in the Aeronautical Information Manual indicates, “FAA analysis of accidents and incidents involving aircraft holding in position indicate that two minutes or more elapsed between the time the instruction was issued to line up and wait and the resulting event (for example, land−over or go−around). Pilots should consider the length of time that they have been holding in position whenever they HAVE NOT been advised of any expected delay to determine when it is appropriate to query the controller.”
Even when following line up and wait instructions at tower controlled airport, it is important for you as the pilot in command to remain vigilant and situationally aware. Listen to the instructions and clearances that the tower is giving to other aircraft in the area. If you hear a clearance to land where you are currently waiting, be alert and ready to call the tower if necessary. You might also consider lining up at a slight angle that affords a better view of landing aircraft approaching behind you.
You should be especially vigilant at night, during reduced visibility, and when the airport is using line up and wait operations on more than one runway. Listen carefully for your call sign and the runway that you are using. Be alert for similar sounding call signs and avoid following the instructions for a different aircraft than yours. When in doubt, contact ATC for clarification. If you are unable to raise ATC, have an escape plan for getting you and your aircraft to a safe location if you are concerned about another aircraft landing in your location.
If you are the landing aircraft and you hear ATC give line up and wait instructions to an aircraft on the runway to which you have been cleared to land, be extra vigilant to ensure that the aircraft has departed before you land. Even if you haven’t heard a line up and wait clearance, be sure that runway is clear before landing. Do not hesitate to ask ATC about any traffic that you see on the runway where you are landing.
Line Up and Wait Is Not for Non-Towered Airports
Line up and wait procedures were never intended for use at non-towered airports despite being common practice with some pilots. As indicated, it is an ATC procedure. Without the additional eyes of the controller and his or her knowledge of the instructions issued to other aircraft, it is simply not a safe procedure to perform.
As the pilot in command of an aircraft that is ready to takeoff, you have no real idea of the intentions of the aircraft that is temporarily blocking your takeoff runway. Will she make the intersection? Will he roll the full length of the runway? How fast will she taxi to the runway exit? Is he oblivious to his surroundings and unsure where to turn? Will her takeoff follow a standard pattern departure? Will he abort the takeoff? You may think that you know but you really do not know when the runway will be clear.
Once you are positioned for takeoff, your ability to see the runway’s approach is seriously limited. How close is that final traffic getting? Is there another aircraft approach that is not using a radio? Does the approaching pilot see or hear you?
Is your life and the life of your passengers really not worth waiting until the runway is clear?
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/05161559/Cirrus-KSMO-Line-Up-and-Wait-1.jpg8831570studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2020-11-02 09:22:422021-06-08 19:22:45Things to Know about Line Up and Wait
Sadly, daylight saving time comes to an end on Sunday, November 1 as the clocks “fall” back one hour. As daylight wanes in the coming months, please consider these helpful reminders:
Definitions of Night
Aircraft position lights on = sunset to sunrise
Logging night = end of evening civil twilight to the beginning of morning civil twilight
Night landing currency (for carrying passengers) = must be from 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise
Common sense = if it’s dark, turn your lights on, log night time, and ensure you’re night current
A Healthy Transition
Set a consistent sleep schedule – start going to bed and waking up a little bit earlier in the days leading up to standard time
Create wind down time – shortly before bedtime, quit the caffeine and put away the devices to help fall asleep faster
Thumb through your favorite aviation pics regularly to keep yourself in a happy mental state
UTC conversion
Eastern time conversion is UTC -5 hours during standard time
Central time conversion is UTC -6 hours
Mountain time conversion is UTC -7 hours
Pacific time conversion is UTC -8 hours
Other fun facts:
Yes it’s “daylight saving time” and not “daylight savings time” – please correct your friends.
Hawaii and Arizona don’t observe daylight saving time so they’re back in sync.
You’ll have to wait longer than usual for daylight saving time to return. In 2021, it will not begin until March 14 (6 days later than this year), but it won’t end until November 7.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/05170420/fall-back-graphic.jpg7201280studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2020-11-01 10:18:082021-06-08 19:22:45Daylight saving time ends tonight, Sunday, November 1
One of the great privileges of being a pilot in the United States is the freedom to fly almost anywhere. That includes a VFR flight right up the Hudson River, with a stunning view of Manhattan. Ride along in this video as some friends fly a Mooney up the East Coast of the US, including a scenic flight past the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and so many other landmarks. All with a private pilot certificate and a single engine airplane.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/05170508/NYC-approach.jpg446800John Zimmermanhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngJohn Zimmerman2020-10-30 10:01:222021-08-19 13:59:22Video: flying the Hudson River exclusion zone
One of the best investments you can make as a student pilot (or a rusty pilot) is a good home study course. While your flight lessons will form the core of your training, there’s a lot of work to be done in between trips to the airport. Sure, you’ll need something to help you prepare for the FAA knowledge test, but the benefits of a course go far beyond that. It will also help you save a significant amount of time and money by preparing for each lesson at home. Most importantly, you’ll be a safer, more well-rounded pilot after you earn your certificate.
Sporty’s 2021 Learn to Fly Course works on laptops, iPhones, iPads, and Android devices.
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course has been a popular option for decades, and is famous for its relentless pace of innovation. Every year, we add new content, new training tools, and technological enhancements. This year is no exception, with a host of upgrades that make training more engaging and more efficient. Here’s a look at some highlights.
New video segments
The heart of Sporty’s courses is over 15 hours of dynamic HD video that puts the viewer in the airplane, supplemented by sophisticated 3D animations. No boring lectures or slideshows here—it’s all about real world flying. The 2021 edition continues this focus with plenty of new video, including segments on how to use flight following with air traffic control, how to plan a cross-country flight with an iPad, and how to use ForeFlight’s Imagery tab. Plus, dozens of smaller updates include the latest technology and FAA regulation changes, so you’re always up-to-date.
All-new online platform
A new online platform is faster and easier to use.
Log into Sporty’s Pilot Training platform in your web browser and you’ll find an all-new look. The same great information is there, but under the hood everything is fresh; it’s faster, easier to use, and completely mobile-friendly. Menus are easy to access on different screen sizes and video automatically streams at the highest quality possible, based on your internet connection. Whether you train on a laptop, a tablet, or a smartphone, every feature is available.
Test prep question search
With an exclusive database of over 1,000 test questions and the popular Smart Study feature, nobody has better knowledge test prep tools than Sporty’s. For 2021, we’ve added yet another. Now you can build your own study session from any keyword you choose. Want to brush up on airspace? Just search for that phrase and start studying relevant questions. It’s a fast and easy way to focus on the topics that need work, without getting bogged down in questions you’ve already mastered.
Microsoft Flight Simulator lessons
Connect your flight training with Microsoft Flight Simulator.
This new simulator is taking the aviation world by storm, but it’s much more than just a game if used properly. This detailed lesson guide, developed by the flight instructors at Sporty’s Academy, is the bridge between Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course and Microsoft’s latest home flight simulator. Includes tips for getting started, plus 14 suggested simulator training flights, complete with objectives, scenarios, tasks to accomplish, and performance goals.
Enhanced flashcard mode
Once you’ve completed the video segments and test prep study sessions, our flashcard mode is a great way to study for your knowledge test or checkride without seeing multiple choice answers. Now updated and expanded, this feature allows you to digitally flip the cards and see how well you’ve mastered important topics.
ACS with embedded videos
Prepare for your checkride with the interactive ACS.
The FAA’s Airman Certification Standards is your guide to the checkride and an essential reference document, listing every maneuver the examiner will expect you to perform. We include the full text of the ACS, organized by task for easy navigation. Plus, only Sporty’s includes relevant video segments for each section, so you can review the right way to do a steep turn while reading the completion standards. It’s the ultimate checkride preparation tool.
Bring your own documents
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course includes dozens of helpful documents in the library section, from FAA textbooks to important Advisory Circulars. Now you can upload your own documents, whether it’s a scanned copy of your airplane’s manual or your flight school’s training documents. This is a simple and reliable way to keep all your training materials in one place, and a solid backup.
Video transcripts
Perfect for review sessions, or for students whose first language is not English, the course now includes complete transcripts for each video segment. Click on a video and you’ll see the text displayed underneath, so it’s easy to follow along as you watch.
Lifetime updates
Never worry about out-of-date materials or missing features with Sporty’s free lifetime updates. Simply buy the course once and you own it forever—no subscriptions and no upgrade fees required. Every time you log in to the online training portal or open up the Pilot Training app, you’ll have access to the latest video segments, test question updates, and training features. It’s an incredible value: for the price of one flight lesson, you’ll save thousands of dollars over your flying career.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/05170428/2021-LTF-main-wide.jpg5921200Bret Koebbehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngBret Koebbe2020-10-26 13:55:042021-08-19 14:20:22What’s new in Sporty’s 2021 Learn to Fly Course
The place: Lake Cumberland Regional Airport (KSME), Somerset, KY
The aircraft: Piper Seminole
The memory: This fall morning is what you’d describe as “glassy”…not a bump in the sky with unrestricted visibility. Now, no excuses after being on speed and on glideslope short final for runway 5.
Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/05170513/piper-seminole.jpg15372049studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2020-10-23 09:20:072021-06-08 19:22:45Friday photo: short final on a glassy morning
I remember planning my first cross country flight. There were sectional charts thrown across the floor, highlighters in the dog’s mouth, crumpled flight plan forms in the corner, my aluminum E6B lodged into the drywall from where I chucked it in frustration…those were the days. Much like we’ve graduated from outhouses to indoor plumbing, we no longer have to rely on the ancient tools to successfully complete a cross country flight. Here’s my list of five gadgets that you should consider for those flights beyond the local area. We recommend visiting https://euflightcompensation.com/delayed/ in case you are having delay issues or other problems.
iPad with a Navigational App
This one almost goes without saying. In aviation, charts are required. While learning on a paper chart might still be practiced and preached in many flight schools, using paper charts for cross country flying is like driving a manual transmission in a city full of hills. Embrace technology on this one. ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, FlyQ, Stratus Insight… pick one of the many options available to be your “go-to” for cross county planning and flying. Choosing the app first will help you with gadget #2.
ADS-B Receiver
We’ve seen the aviation market go through several revolutions. Radios, headsets, and GPSs have all had a profound impact on the way we fly. ADS-B is the most recent revolution. I cannot imagine flying without its conveniences. Modern ADS-B receivers provide GPS location, weather, traffic, attitude information, obstacles, and much more. Flying solo means you have only one set of eyes to look out for other traffic. ADS-B is another set of eyes—super eyes. Make sure you buy a receiver that will work with your navigation app. As an example, if you are using Garmin Pilot, you’ll need a Garmin receiver (GDL 50).
Active noise canceling (ANR) headsets will increase the clarity of incoming transmissions. Hearing that transmission the first time will give you more time to focus on more important tasks like flying the airplane. Since you are splurging on a valuable headset, be sure to get one with Bluetooth capability, or at least an aux input. Many of the aforementioned apps have the ability to provide audio alerts. “Traffic,” “Terrain,” “500 Feet,” meaning your navigational app becomes your copilot. Your headset is now the conduit for those audio alerts.
Aviate, Navigate, Communicate. Those are your flying priorities. Flying is number one, but communicating remains a priority. Having a plan for when the panel goes dark will make a tense situation that much more bearable. Make sure your backup radio has good batteries and that you know how to operate it in the air. Most portable radios will require an adapter for your aviation headset to plug into. The PJ2 COM radio has the standard twin plugs built in, so there’s one less thing to worry about.
While not a gadget, this one is needed so you can see those gadgets and to make your flying more enjoyable. One of my personal favorite flights to make is a trip to get breakfast to neighboring airports. We normally take off just before the sun rises. I recall one flight where I was poking fun at my passenger and fellow pilot who had a pair of sunglasses in his shirt pocket. “The moon isn’t that bright,” I quipped. Thirty minutes later I was squinting into the sun while on final approach. A good pair of non-polarized sunglasses is essential for comfortable, safe flying. The non-polarization is essential so you can see those gadget screens. This set is my current favorite.
What is on your list of must-haves for flying cross country?
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/05162842/iPad-sentry-weather-1.jpg10671600studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2020-10-19 11:40:022021-06-08 19:22:45Five Gadgets for Solo Cross Country Flights
Things to Know about Line Up and Wait
/in Regulations, Tips and technique/by studentpltnewsAn ATC Procedure
As is indicated by the definition above, line up and wait is an ATC procedure. It is conducted at tower controlled airports where the tower controller knows what he or she has instructed the previous aircraft to do. The reason for a line up and wait instruction is often due to a prior aircraft still being on the current runway or a crossing runway and the controller wanting to expedite the takeoff of the line up and wait aircraft. The reason for expediting this takeoff may be that there is another aircraft on final or in the pattern that will soon be ready to land. The controller is in a position to see all three aircraft and make modifications if the timing is off or there is a delay due to a pilot error in one of the aircraft.
You should be aware, that a line up and wait instruction from ATC is not an authorization to takeoff. You should expect an authorization to takeoff shortly after the controller is satisfied that the condition that delayed you is now safe. If you do not receive a takeoff clearance within a reasonable amount of time, you should contact the controller and remind him or her that you are there. Accidents have occurred after a controller forgot an aircraft waiting on the runway and cleared another airplane to land on that same runway.
A note in the Aeronautical Information Manual indicates, “FAA analysis of accidents and incidents involving aircraft holding in position indicate that two minutes or more elapsed between the time the instruction was issued to line up and wait and the resulting event (for example, land−over or go−around). Pilots should consider the length of time that they have been holding in position whenever they HAVE NOT been advised of any expected delay to determine when it is appropriate to query the controller.”
Even when following line up and wait instructions at tower controlled airport, it is important for you as the pilot in command to remain vigilant and situationally aware. Listen to the instructions and clearances that the tower is giving to other aircraft in the area. If you hear a clearance to land where you are currently waiting, be alert and ready to call the tower if necessary. You might also consider lining up at a slight angle that affords a better view of landing aircraft approaching behind you.
You should be especially vigilant at night, during reduced visibility, and when the airport is using line up and wait operations on more than one runway. Listen carefully for your call sign and the runway that you are using. Be alert for similar sounding call signs and avoid following the instructions for a different aircraft than yours. When in doubt, contact ATC for clarification. If you are unable to raise ATC, have an escape plan for getting you and your aircraft to a safe location if you are concerned about another aircraft landing in your location.
If you are the landing aircraft and you hear ATC give line up and wait instructions to an aircraft on the runway to which you have been cleared to land, be extra vigilant to ensure that the aircraft has departed before you land. Even if you haven’t heard a line up and wait clearance, be sure that runway is clear before landing. Do not hesitate to ask ATC about any traffic that you see on the runway where you are landing.
Line Up and Wait Is Not for Non-Towered Airports
As the pilot in command of an aircraft that is ready to takeoff, you have no real idea of the intentions of the aircraft that is temporarily blocking your takeoff runway. Will she make the intersection? Will he roll the full length of the runway? How fast will she taxi to the runway exit? Is he oblivious to his surroundings and unsure where to turn? Will her takeoff follow a standard pattern departure? Will he abort the takeoff? You may think that you know but you really do not know when the runway will be clear.
Once you are positioned for takeoff, your ability to see the runway’s approach is seriously limited. How close is that final traffic getting? Is there another aircraft approach that is not using a radio? Does the approaching pilot see or hear you?
Is your life and the life of your passengers really not worth waiting until the runway is clear?
Daylight saving time ends tonight, Sunday, November 1
/in Uncategorized/by studentpltnewsOther fun facts:
Video: flying the Hudson River exclusion zone
/in Fun Flying Videos/by John ZimmermanOne of the great privileges of being a pilot in the United States is the freedom to fly almost anywhere. That includes a VFR flight right up the Hudson River, with a stunning view of Manhattan. Ride along in this video as some friends fly a Mooney up the East Coast of the US, including a scenic flight past the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and so many other landmarks. All with a private pilot certificate and a single engine airplane.
Video courtesy of Aviation101.
What’s new in Sporty’s 2021 Learn to Fly Course
/in Pilot Gear/by Bret KoebbeOne of the best investments you can make as a student pilot (or a rusty pilot) is a good home study course. While your flight lessons will form the core of your training, there’s a lot of work to be done in between trips to the airport. Sure, you’ll need something to help you prepare for the FAA knowledge test, but the benefits of a course go far beyond that. It will also help you save a significant amount of time and money by preparing for each lesson at home. Most importantly, you’ll be a safer, more well-rounded pilot after you earn your certificate.
Sporty’s 2021 Learn to Fly Course works on laptops, iPhones, iPads, and Android devices.
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course has been a popular option for decades, and is famous for its relentless pace of innovation. Every year, we add new content, new training tools, and technological enhancements. This year is no exception, with a host of upgrades that make training more engaging and more efficient. Here’s a look at some highlights.
New video segments
The heart of Sporty’s courses is over 15 hours of dynamic HD video that puts the viewer in the airplane, supplemented by sophisticated 3D animations. No boring lectures or slideshows here—it’s all about real world flying. The 2021 edition continues this focus with plenty of new video, including segments on how to use flight following with air traffic control, how to plan a cross-country flight with an iPad, and how to use ForeFlight’s Imagery tab. Plus, dozens of smaller updates include the latest technology and FAA regulation changes, so you’re always up-to-date.
All-new online platform
A new online platform is faster and easier to use.
Log into Sporty’s Pilot Training platform in your web browser and you’ll find an all-new look. The same great information is there, but under the hood everything is fresh; it’s faster, easier to use, and completely mobile-friendly. Menus are easy to access on different screen sizes and video automatically streams at the highest quality possible, based on your internet connection. Whether you train on a laptop, a tablet, or a smartphone, every feature is available.
Test prep question search
With an exclusive database of over 1,000 test questions and the popular Smart Study feature, nobody has better knowledge test prep tools than Sporty’s. For 2021, we’ve added yet another. Now you can build your own study session from any keyword you choose. Want to brush up on airspace? Just search for that phrase and start studying relevant questions. It’s a fast and easy way to focus on the topics that need work, without getting bogged down in questions you’ve already mastered.
Microsoft Flight Simulator lessons
Connect your flight training with Microsoft Flight Simulator.
This new simulator is taking the aviation world by storm, but it’s much more than just a game if used properly. This detailed lesson guide, developed by the flight instructors at Sporty’s Academy, is the bridge between Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course and Microsoft’s latest home flight simulator. Includes tips for getting started, plus 14 suggested simulator training flights, complete with objectives, scenarios, tasks to accomplish, and performance goals.
Enhanced flashcard mode
Once you’ve completed the video segments and test prep study sessions, our flashcard mode is a great way to study for your knowledge test or checkride without seeing multiple choice answers. Now updated and expanded, this feature allows you to digitally flip the cards and see how well you’ve mastered important topics.
ACS with embedded videos
Prepare for your checkride with the interactive ACS.
The FAA’s Airman Certification Standards is your guide to the checkride and an essential reference document, listing every maneuver the examiner will expect you to perform. We include the full text of the ACS, organized by task for easy navigation. Plus, only Sporty’s includes relevant video segments for each section, so you can review the right way to do a steep turn while reading the completion standards. It’s the ultimate checkride preparation tool.
Bring your own documents
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course includes dozens of helpful documents in the library section, from FAA textbooks to important Advisory Circulars. Now you can upload your own documents, whether it’s a scanned copy of your airplane’s manual or your flight school’s training documents. This is a simple and reliable way to keep all your training materials in one place, and a solid backup.
Video transcripts
Perfect for review sessions, or for students whose first language is not English, the course now includes complete transcripts for each video segment. Click on a video and you’ll see the text displayed underneath, so it’s easy to follow along as you watch.
Lifetime updates
Never worry about out-of-date materials or missing features with Sporty’s free lifetime updates. Simply buy the course once and you own it forever—no subscriptions and no upgrade fees required. Every time you log in to the online training portal or open up the Pilot Training app, you’ll have access to the latest video segments, test question updates, and training features. It’s an incredible value: for the price of one flight lesson, you’ll save thousands of dollars over your flying career.
Learn more about Sporty’s 2021 Learn to Fly Course
Try a free demo of the course
Friday photo: short final on a glassy morning
/in Friday Photo/by studentpltnewsThe moment: short final
The place: Lake Cumberland Regional Airport (KSME), Somerset, KY
The aircraft: Piper Seminole
The memory: This fall morning is what you’d describe as “glassy”…not a bump in the sky with unrestricted visibility. Now, no excuses after being on speed and on glideslope short final for runway 5.
Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]
Five Gadgets for Solo Cross Country Flights
/in Pilot Gear/by studentpltnewsI remember planning my first cross country flight. There were sectional charts thrown across the floor, highlighters in the dog’s mouth, crumpled flight plan forms in the corner, my aluminum E6B lodged into the drywall from where I chucked it in frustration…those were the days. Much like we’ve graduated from outhouses to indoor plumbing, we no longer have to rely on the ancient tools to successfully complete a cross country flight. Here’s my list of five gadgets that you should consider for those flights beyond the local area. We recommend visiting https://euflightcompensation.com/delayed/ in case you are having delay issues or other problems.
https://www.sportys.com/garmin-gdl-50-ads-b-receiver.html
https://www.sportys.com/aviation-headsets.html
https://www.sportys.com/pj2-handheld-com-radio-1.html
https://www.sportys.com/flight-gear-captain-s-sunglasses-58mm.html
What is on your list of must-haves for flying cross country?