Switching from ground to tower?

[SSDD]

DEN and ORD vary tower frequencies depending on runway configuration and, I assume, controller workload. Ground always gives you the current frequency and instructs you when to switch.

As has been stated before, some airports are just different.

 

['72Gremlin]

I asked this same question not too long ago... I've been told (and I haven't verified this with the FAR/AIM) to switch to and monitor the Tower when passing the last available taxiway leading to the active runway or when in line for takeoff. If you're in doubt, notify ground that you're switching over, radio chatter permitting.

 

[81Horse]

I think that's pretty much SOP for turbine aircraft, Gremlin (local variations notwithstanding).

Even in airplanes requiring a run-up, it's a good idea to monitor the Tower frequency, IMHO. I always think of Peter Garrison's experience in his first Melmoth: getting rear-ended by a landing airplane. Once you start to think about that, you can get paranoid.

 

[NoPax]

In Europe it is standard practice to advise ground that you are ready, and switching to tower freq.

Anywhere I've been that requires an advisory to clearance (for engine start) or ground (runup complete) has the advisory on ATIS or it is posted somewhere on the ramp, runup area, by the hold-short line.

Otherwise, when you are ready to switch to ground/tower, switch, if you are inbound wait for the call.

 

[Stealthh21]

Yep. Orlando Executive. I'm not sure to what degree it applies in practice to jet ops. Even at Centennial the typical jet will be told to "contact Tower at the hold line" while still taxiing, while the typical piston announces when run-up is complete.

oh ok. Been to both places many times, never heard that. Oh well. Maybe I was flying out of a different Orlando Executive KORL.

 

[midlifeflyer]

oh ok. Been to both places many times, never heard that.

I can't give you the number for ORL (AFAIK there isn't one), but listen to the ATIS at Centennial.

303-799-6722

The testier the "special procedures in effect" language sounds, the more people missed or didn't listen to that part of the standard APA broadcast that day.

 

[Tinstaafl]

I fly into & out of Orlando Exec regularly. For at least the last year (when I started flying into the place) the ATIS has specified to report ready to Ground. Ground then instructs you to monitor Tower. Tower will call you when they're ready to give you further instructions.

 

[DaveJ]

KPDK as well

PDK has had the 'contact ground when run-up complete' for the past two years. Then when you do contact ground they'll say to monitor (not contact) tower on 120.9. It basically reduces the congestion on the tower frequency.