VFR Hold on Base Leg

[777_Jackpot]

My main concern was for the student (pre-solo private) and wondering how confused the student would be (alone in the plane) given those instructions as we do not teach to "hold" on a pattern leg. Of course the students know to ask for clarification if they do not understand, yet this just seemed so out of the ordinary.

Yeah, now that you know that type of instruction could be issued to a student, I would be emphasizing with my students the importance of asking for clarification on a clearance if they don't understand it.

 

[Fly_Chick]

It sounds like a friendly call to the folks in the tower cab is called for.

Please let us know what they say....I'm intrigued to say the least....

Friendly call to the Tower today. Spoke to the manager, his only thoughts were the controller must have thought we were a helicopter. I did not want to argue the point, sometimes the less said, the better understood. I wanted to make sure we were all on the same page... I have a "feeling" this will be addressed.



I really do believe the most important point from all of this is to ask for specific clarification.

 

[Ralgha]

When I was instructing, it was at an uncontrolled airport, but we frequently used the services of the local approach controllers in Eugene. I frequently called them up on the phone to discuss things, and had many an educating discussion for both sides. I also keep in email/phone contact with one of the controllers there even now and we exchange thoughts occasionally.

I have recently acquired the LAX tower phone number and may start to harass them in the same way *evil cackle*, or probably not. The did let me tour on short notice though.

ATC is great.