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Maintain Runway Heading
When ATC request an aircraft to maintain runway heading after take-off do they expect the pilot to make a correction for wind or are they happy for him to fly the runway heading and drift with the wind. If so how would a controller with no radar know the exact location of the aircraft for separation purposes.
Tolka |
ATC should never ask you to maintain runway heading.
You maintain levels. You continue on headings. I think this has been covered before, but:- 1. Continue on R/W heading implies fly the published runway QDR. 2. Climb straight ahead implies the same as 'track extended R/W centre-line'. I could be wrong though. Many years ago, the TWR controller (non-radar) at my local airport would issue climb 'straight ahead' clearances to separate IFR and SVFR traffic. However, the instruction always originated from a radar environment, that is it was passed on behalf of the approach, or (occasionally) area radar controller. |
Tolka,
In fact thinking back, I am partially incorrect with the last statement. The TWR controller at the airport in question could also apply the 'climb straight ahead, restriction' to traffic for separation against aircraft, (usually VFR/SVFR outbounds, which had taken off ahead of the 'restricted' aircraft), that were unknown to approach radar. This was because, depending on the runway in use, the upwind half of the CTR was delegated to the tower. I believe the TWR controller had to have a valid procedural (ie non-radar) approach rating to provide this separation. |
my straight ahead or your straight ahead
In the cockpit, with a strong cross wind, my straight ahead, would take drift in to account.
Yours would not. The original question remains. |
In the US you will get a "Fly runway heading" clearance at times. That means exactly what it says, look at your heading indicator when you line up and fly that heading. Yes, you'll drift, everyone will drift.
A controller without radar will know you are between the runway and your first reporting point. |
Today I was issued with 'climb on runway track' by a switched-on Farnborough controller. Specific enough for me.
'Runway Track' could not be affected by drift. 'Runway Heading' could be affected by drift. 'Straight Ahead' does not seem to be defined. Basically either instruction might be used by ATC to prevent any SID/SDR/NPR turn. |
I think "runway heading" is pretty clear - strangely enough it often meets with readbacks "straight ahead" or even "runway track" :O
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anyhow to cut the long story short, in the UK "straight ahead" means
"track extended runway centerline" (when used in departure clearances) or "continue on final approach track" (when given in missed approach procedures) (as seen in MATS part 1) As far as I can search in my pdf copy of my Mats 1, "runway heading" is not used in the UK. Likewise, "runway track" might be used at Farnborough, but is not featured in MATS part 1 ;) |
Ivor is correct.
'Straight ahead' is defined in MATS Part 1, which is, of course, intended for reference by ATCOs. For aircrew, 'Straight Ahead' is similarly defined in CAP413. Neither 'Runway Heading' nor 'Runway Track' appear in CAP413. Take back what I wrote, I shall remonstrate with said Farnborough operative. 'Straight Ahead' it is, then. Track it is too, a heading it is not. Pretty conclusive. |
See that's strange because I'd always have expected the aircrew to maintain RW track and take the wind into account to maintain that....hmmmm:suspect: I suspect some additional paperwork coming around the corner.
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Talkdownman, there exists a world outside UK and MATS/CAP.
Icao says: 1. If a heading is to be maintained: "continue runway heading" 2. If a track is to be maintained: "climb straight ahead" or "track extended centre line" |
Well, I'm blowed.......:ooh:
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Just to through you all off..
The topic posters profile says "Location: Dublin" ! |
I learned very early in my career as a Tower controller that the safest bet is to give them a heading to fly: "Cleared for take-off, fly heading 280". I knew what would happen; pilot knew what to do... it's all too easy.
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SOP in the RAF was the phrase 'climb on runway track', but this may have changed in March with the RAF's adoption of CAP 413; anyway it featured in MACF procedures on their approach plates.
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