Departing priority

[GravityHater]

How does tower decide who goes first?
Often there will be a gaggle of light a/c waiting and ready in a line at the run-up area, right next to the hold short line. Tower will let the guys who are at the line go then if there is room they will wave us jets to the front of the line. Some of the little guys are local & pattern.... but some are also ifr flights.
Just wondered what their protocol is, and how they decide who gets to jump the line.

 

[NCherches]

There are SOOOO many reasons for allowing one plane to go 'first'

At towered airports usually its when the ground guy hands the strip off or when they call the tower saying they are ready to go. Some towers will do it by who gets to the end of the runway first (as some call ready to go half way to the active runway... not sure 'exact protocol' at airports without strips but I would guess it is similar.

Sometimes they let a Jet go before a small prop as seperation is easier in the air... most jets are also ready at the end where props require run-ups...

Departures with flow control also get priority...

 

[Midnight Flyer]

yes, soo many reasons, mainly spacing.

Also, I have been the "odd ball" airliner, ready and waiting at the hold short line in CLT for 12 minutes, while tower lets 8-9 US Air aircraft take off in front of us. I think airports are definitely loyal to the airlines that have Hubs at that particular airport.

 

[XTW]

It's a simple rule, if Southwest is there, they go first.


X

 

[o2bflyn]

Also, it depends where you are going.....destination, departure fix, etc....especially in the NE corridor.

Advice: If you ask the tower guy/gal about your sequence in a crappy way.....your last.

 

[NCherches]

An occasional bottle of wine or 6 pack of beer never hurt me when I was based in San Luis Obispo...

 

[LaGarbage Man]

Of course SWA goes first. All it takes is some good steaks, Lone Star Beer and the occasional redecorating of the controller's break room and you could be first also.

 

[cjdriver]

When we get held at the end for Southwest, I just remind myself that I'll be sleeping in my own bed tonight. Nuff said.

 

[NCherches]

When we get held at the end for Southwest, I just remind myself that I'll be sleeping in my own bed tonight. Nuff said.

But they have Flight Attendant's