Standard R/T... or not?
Talking about the UK and ab initio, PPL etc.
Where I do a little bit of flying instruction in the Midlands some of the guys are being taught to add the RW designator at the end of the downwind call, eg. "Downwind Runway 20".
This is non standard RT according to the CAP and I see little point in doing so. Indeed the A/G operator advised me that an aircraft recently landed on the wrong runway despite calling downwind for the runway in use.
I make these comments against a background of "Joe taught me to do this" or "Brian thinks we ought to do it this way". Instead of the standard call "Ready for Departure" we now get a running commentary.."at the hold Runway 27 ready to enter back track, line up etc etc..."
Yes I agree that at an uncontrolled aerodrome there may be (rare) cases where it is good airmanship to announce what you are doing to all and sundry but it's an uphill battle getting people to stick to standard RT procedures and we all know the dangers and drawbacks of not adhering to them, don't we?
I would be interested to hear any comments and also input from ATC.