Section 9. Departure Procedures and Separation

3-9-1. DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Provide current departure information, as appropriate, to departing aircraft.

a. Departure information contained in the ATIS broadcast may be omitted if the pilot states the appropriate ATIS code.

b. Issue departure information by including the following:

1. Runway in use. (May be omitted if pilot states “have the numbers.”)

2. Surface wind from direct readout dial, wind shear detection system, or automated weather observing system information display. (May be omitted if pilot states “have the numbers.”)

3. Altimeter setting. (May be omitted if pilot states “have the numbers.”)

REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 2-7-1, Current Settings.

c. Time, when requested.

d. Issue the official ceiling and visibility, when available, to a departing aircraft before takeoff as follows:

1. To a VFR aircraft when weather is below VFR conditions.

2. To an IFR aircraft when weather is below VFR conditions or highest takeoff minima, whichever is greater.

NOTE-
Standard takeoff minimums are published in 14 CFR Section 91.175(f). Takeoff minima other than standard are prescribed for specific airports/runways and published in a tabular form supplement to the FAA instrument approach procedures charts and appropriate FAA Forms 8260.

e. Issue the route for the aircraft/vehicle to follow on the movement area in concise and easy to understand terms. The taxi clearance must include the specific route to follow.

f. USAF NOT APPLICABLE. An advisory to “check density altitude” when appropriate.

REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7210.3, Para 2-10-6, Broadcast Density Altitude Advisory.

g. Issue braking action for the runway in use as received from pilots or the airport management when Braking Action Advisories are in effect.

REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 2-7-2, Altimeter Setting Issuance Below Lowest Usable FL.
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 3-1-8, Low Level Wind Shear/Microburst Advisories.
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 3-3-5, Braking Action Advisories.
P/CG Term- Braking Action Advisories.

h.    When the ATIS is unavailable, and when the runway length available for departure has been temporarily shortened, controllers must ensure that pilots receive the runway number combined with a shortened announcement for all departing aircraft.

PHRASEOLOGY-
RUNWAY (NUMBER) SHORTENED

EXAMPLE –
“Runway Two-Seven shortened.”

3-9-2. DEPARTURE DELAY INFORMATION

USA/USAF/USN NOT APPLICABLE

When gate-hold procedures are in effect, issue the following departure delay information as appropriate:

REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7210.3, Para 10-4-3, Gate Hold Procedures.

a. Advise departing aircraft the time at which the pilot can expect to receive engine startup advisory.

PHRASEOLOGY-
GATE HOLD PROCEDURES ARE IN EFFECT. ALL AIRCRAFT CONTACT (position) ON (frequency) FOR ENGINE START TIME. EXPECT ENGINE START/TAXI (time).

b. Advise departing aircraft when to start engines and/or to advise when ready to taxi.

PHRASEOLOGY-
START ENGINES, ADVISE WHEN READY TO TAXI,

or

ADVISE WHEN READY TO TAXI.

c. If the pilot requests to hold in a delay absorbing area, the request must be approved if space and traffic conditions permit.

d. Advise all aircraft on GC/FD frequency upon termination of gate hold procedures.

PHRASEOLOGY-
GATE HOLD PROCEDURES NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

3-9-3. DEPARTURE CONTROL INSTRUCTIONS

Inform departing IFR, SVFR, VFR aircraft receiving radar service, and TRSA VFR aircraft of the following:

a. Before takeoff.

1. Issue the appropriate departure control frequency and beacon code. The departure control frequency may be omitted if a SID has been or will be assigned and the departure control frequency is published on the SID.

PHRASEOLOGY-
DEPARTURE FREQUENCY (frequency), SQUAWK (code).

2. Inform all departing IFR military turboprop/turbojet aircraft (except transport and cargo types) to change to departure control frequency. If the local controller has departure frequency override, transmit urgent instructions on this frequency. If the override capability does not exist, transmit urgent instructions on the emergency frequency.

PHRASEOLOGY-
CHANGE TO DEPARTURE.

3. USAF. USAF control towers are authorized to inform all departing IFR military transport/cargo type aircraft operating in formation flight to change to departure control frequency before takeoff.

b. After takeoff.

1. When the aircraft is about ¹/₂ mile beyond the runway end, instruct civil aircraft, and military transport, and cargo types to contact departure control, provided further communication with you is not required.

2. Do not request departing military turboprop/turbojet aircraft (except transport and cargo types) to make radio frequency or radar beacon changes before the aircraft reaches 2,500 feet above the surface.

REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 7-2-1, Visual Separation.

3-9-4. LINE UP AND WAIT (LUAW)

a. The intent of LUAW is to position aircraft for an imminent departure. Authorize an aircraft to line up and wait, except as restricted in subpara g, when takeoff clearances cannot be issued because of traffic. Issue traffic information to any aircraft so authorized. Traffic information may be omitted when the traffic is another aircraft which has landed on or is taking off the runway and is clearly visible to the holding aircraft. Do not use conditional phrases such as “behind landing traffic” or “after the departing aircraft.”

b. First state the runway number followed by the line up and wait clearance.

PHRASEOLOGY-
RUNWAY (number), LINE UP AND WAIT.

c. Procedures.

1. At facilities without a safety logic system or facilities with the safety logic system in the limited configuration:

(a) Do not issue a landing clearance to an aircraft requesting a full-stop, touch-and-go, stop-and-go, option, or unrestricted low approach on the same runway with an aircraft that is holding in position or taxiing to line up and wait until the aircraft in position starts takeoff roll.

(b) Do not authorize an aircraft to LUAW if an aircraft has been cleared to land, touch-and-go, stop-and–go, option, or unrestricted low approach on the same runway.

PHRASEOLOGY-
RUNWAY (number), CONTINUE, TRAFFIC HOLDING IN POSITION.

EXAMPLE-
“American 528, Runway Two-Three continue, traffic holding in position.”

2. Except when reported weather conditions are less than ceiling 800 feet or visibility less than 2 miles, facilities using the safety logic system in the full core alert mode:

(a) May issue a landing clearance for a full-stop, touch-and-go, stop-and-go, option, or unrestricted low approach to an arriving aircraft with an aircraft holding in position or taxiing to LUAW on the same runway, or

(b) May authorize an aircraft to LUAW when an aircraft has been cleared for a full stop, touch-and-go, stop-and-go, option, or unrestricted low approach on the same runway.

REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 3-10-5, Landing Clearance.

d. When an aircraft is authorized to line up and wait, inform it of the closest traffic requesting a full-stop, touch-and-go, stop-and- go, option, or unrestricted low approach to the same runway.

EXAMPLE-
“United Five, Runway One Eight, line up and wait. Traffic a Boeing Seven Thirty Seven, six mile final.

e. USAF/USN. When an aircraft is authorized to line up and wait, inform it of the closest traffic within 6 miles on final approach to the same runway. If the approaching aircraft is on a different frequency, inform it of the aircraft taxiing into position.

f. Do not authorize an aircraft to line up and wait when the departure point is not visible from the tower, unless the aircraft's position can be verified by ASDE or the runway is used for departures only.

g. An aircraft may be authorized to line up and wait at an intersection between sunset and sunrise under the following conditions:

1. The procedure must be approved by the appropriate Director, Terminal Operations (service area) as well as the Director, Terminal Safety and Operations Support.

2. The procedure must be contained in a facility directive.

3. The runway must be used as a departure-only runway.

4. Only one aircraft at a time is permitted to line up and wait on the same runway.

5. Document on FAA Form 7230-4, Daily Record of Facility Operation, the following: “LUAW at INT of RWY (number) and TWY (name) IN EFFECT” when using runway as a departure-only runway. “LUAW at INT of RWY (number) and TWY (name) SUSPENDED������ when runway is not used as a departure-only runway.

h. Do not authorize an aircraft to line up and wait at anytime when the intersection is not visible from the tower.

i. Do not authorize aircraft to simultaneously line up and wait on the same runway, between sunrise and sunset, unless the local assist/local monitor position is staffed.

j. USN. Do not authorize aircraft to line up and wait simultaneously on intersecting runways.

PHRASEOLOGY-
CONTINUE HOLDING,

or

TAXI OFF THE RUNWAY.

REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 3-10-10, Altitude Restricted Low Approach.

k. When aircraft are authorized to line up and wait on runways that intersect, traffic must be exchanged between that aircraft and the aircraft that is authorized to line up and wait, depart, or arrive to the intersecting runway(s).

EXAMPLE-
“United Five, Runway Four, line up and wait, traffic holding Runway Three-One.”
“Delta One, Runway Three-One, line up and wait, traffic holding Runway Four.”

Or, when issuing traffic information to an arrival aircraft and an aircraft that is holding on runway(s) that intersect(s):

“Delta One, Runway Four, line up and wait, traffic landing Runway Three-One.”
“United Five, Runway Three-One, cleared to land. Traffic holding in position Runway Four.”

Or, when issuing traffic information to a departing aircraft and an aircraft that is holding on runway(s) that intersect(s):

“Delta One, Runway Three-One, line up and wait, traffic departing Runway Four.”
“United Five, Runway Four, cleared for takeoff, traffic holding in position Runway Three-One.”

REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 3-9-8, Intersecting Runway Separation.
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 3-10-4, Intersecting Runway Separation.

l. When a local controller delivers or amends an ATC clearance to an aircraft awaiting departure and that aircraft is holding short of a runway or is holding in position on a runway, an additional clearance must be issued to prevent the possibility of the aircraft inadvertently taxiing onto the runway and/or beginning takeoff roll. In such cases, append one of the following ATC instructions as appropriate:

1. HOLD SHORT OF RUNWAY, or

2. HOLD IN POSITION.

m. USAF/USN. When issuing additional instructions or information to an aircraft holding in takeoff position, include instructions to continue holding or taxi off the runway, unless it is cleared for takeoff.

PHRASEOLOGY-
CONTINUE HOLDING,

or

TAXI OFF THE RUNWAY.

REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 3-10-10, Altitude Restricted Low Approach.

n. When authorizing an aircraft to line up and wait at an intersection, state the runway intersection.

PHRASEOLOGY-
RUNWAY (number) AT (taxiway designator), LINE UP AND WAIT.

o. When two or more aircraft call the tower ready for departure, one or more at the full length of a runway and one or more at an intersection, state the location of the aircraft at the full length of the runway when authorizing that aircraft to line up and wait.

PHRASEOLOGY-
RUNWAY (number), FULL-LENGTH, LINE UP AND WAIT.

EXAMPLE-
“American Four Eighty Two, Runway Three-Zero full length, line up and wait.”

NOTE-
The controller need not state the location of the aircraft departing the full length of the runway if there are no aircraft holding for departure at an intersection for that same runway.

p.   Do not use the term “full length” when the runway length available for departure has been temporarily shortened.  On permanently shortened runways, do not use the term “full length” until the A/FD is updated to include the change(s).

NOTE-
The use of the term “full length” could be interpreted by the pilot(s) as the available runway length prior to the runway being shortened.

q.  Whenever a runway length has been temporarily or permanently shortened, state the word “shortened” immediately following the runway number as part of the line up and wait clearance.

1.  The addition of “shortened” must be included in the line up and wait clearance for the duration of the construction project when the runway is temporarily shortened.

2.  The addition of “shortened” must be included in the line up and wait clearance until the A/FD is updated to include the change(s) when the runway is permanently shortened. 

PHRASEOLOGY-
RUNWAY (number) SHORTENED, LINE UP AND WAIT.

EXAMPLE-
“Runway Two-Seven shortened, line up and wait.”

REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7210.3, Para 10-3-11, Airport Construction
FAAO JO 7210.3, Para 10-3-12, Change in Runway Length Due to Construction

3-9-5. ANTICIPATING SEPARATION

Takeoff clearance needs not be withheld until prescribed separation exists if there is a reasonable assurance it will exist when the aircraft starts takeoff roll.

REFERENCE-
P/CG Term- Clear of the Runway.

3-9-6. SAME RUNWAY SEPARATION

Separate a departing aircraft from a preceding departing or arriving aircraft using the same runway by ensuring that it does not begin takeoff roll until:

a. The other aircraft has departed and crossed the runway end or turned to avert any conflict. (See FIG 3-9-1.) If you can determine distances by reference to suitable landmarks, the other aircraft needs only be airborne if the following minimum distance exists between aircraft: (See FIG 3-9-2.)

1. When only Category I aircraft are involved- 3,000 feet.

2. When a Category I aircraft is preceded by a Category II aircraft- 3,000 feet.

3. When either the succeeding or both are Category II aircraft- 4,500 feet.

4. When either is a Category III aircraft- 6,000 feet.

5. When the succeeding aircraft is a helicopter, visual separation may be applied in lieu of using distance minima.

FIG 3-9-1
Same Runway Separation
[View 1]

FIG 3-9-2
Same Runway Separation
[View 2]

NOTE-
Aircraft same runway separation (SRS) categories are specified in Appendices A, B, and C and based upon the following definitions:

CATEGORY I- small aircraft weighing 12,500 lbs. or less, with a single propeller driven engine, and all helicopters.

CATEGORY II- small aircraft weighing 12,500 lbs. or less, with propeller driven twin-engines.

CATEGORY III- all other aircraft.

b. A preceding landing aircraft is clear of the runway. (See FIG 3-9-3.)

FIG 3-9-3
Preceding Landing Aircraft Clear of Runway

REFERENCE-
P/CG Term- Clear of the Runway.

c. Do not issue clearances which imply or indicate approval of rolling takeoffs by heavy jet aircraft except as provided in para 3-1-14, Ground Operations When Volcanic Ash is Present.

d. Do not issue clearances to a small aircraft to line up and wait on the same runway behind a departing heavy jet aircraft to apply the necessary intervals.

REFERENCE-
AC 90-23, Aircraft Wake Turbulence.

e. The minima in para 5-5-4, Minima, may be applied in lieu of the 2 minute requirement in subpara f. When para 5-5-4, Minima, are applied, ensure that the appropriate radar separation exists at or prior to the time an aircraft becomes airborne when taking off behind a heavy jet/B757.

NOTE-
The pilot may request additional separation; i.e., 2 minutes vs. 4 miles, but should make this request before taxiing on the runway.

f. Separate IFR/VFR aircraft taking off behind a heavy jet/B757 departure by 2 minutes, when departing:

NOTE-
Takeoff clearance to the following aircraft should not be issued until 2 minutes after the heavy jet/B757 begins takeoff roll.

1. The same runway. (See FIG 3-9-4.)

FIG 3-9-4
2 Minute Separation

2. A parallel runway separated by less than 2,500 feet.

g. Separate an aircraft from a heavy jet/B757 when operating on a runway with a displaced landing threshold if projected flight paths will cross- 2 minutes when:

1. A departure follows a heavy jet/B757 arrival.

2. An arrival follows a heavy jet/B757 departure.

h. Air traffic controllers must not approve pilot requests to deviate from the required wake turbulence time interval if the preceding aircraft is a heavy jet/B757.

i. Separate a small aircraft behind a large aircraft that has departed or made a low/missed approach when utilizing opposite direction takeoffs on the same runway by 3 minutes unless a pilot has initiated a request to deviate from the 3-minute interval. In the latter case, issue a wake turbulence advisory before clearing the aircraft for takeoff. Controllers must not initiate or suggest a waiver of the 3-minute rule.

NOTE-
A request for takeoff does not initiate a waiver request.

REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7110.65, Appendix A, Appendix B, and Appendix C, Aircraft Information.

j. Separate aircraft behind a heavy jet/B757 that has departed or made a low/missed approach when utilizing opposite direction takeoffs or landings on the same or parallel runways separated by less than 2,500 feet- 3 minutes.

k. Inform an aircraft when it is necessary to hold in order to provide the required 3-minute interval.

PHRASEOLOGY-
HOLD FOR WAKE TURBULENCE.

REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 3-9-7, Wake Turbulence Separation for Intersection Departures.

3-9-7. WAKE TURBULENCE SEPARATION FOR INTERSECTION DEPARTURES

a. Apply the following wake turbulence criteria for intersection departures:

1. Separate a small aircraft taking off from an intersection on the same runway (same or opposite direction takeoff) behind a preceding departing large aircraft by ensuring that the small aircraft does not start takeoff roll until at least 3 minutes after the large aircraft has taken off.

2. Separate any aircraft taking off from an intersection on the same runway (same or opposite direction takeoff), parallel runways separated by less than 2,500 feet, and parallel runways separated by less than 2,500 feet with runway thresholds offset by 500 feet or more, by ensuring that the aircraft does not start takeoff roll until at least 3 minutes after a heavy aircraft/B757 has taken off.

NOTE-
Parallel runways separated by less than 2,500 feet with runway thresholds offset by less than 500 feet must apply para 3-9-6, Same Runway Separation, subpara f.

3. Separate a small aircraft weighing 12,500 lbs. or less taking off from an intersection on the same runway (same or opposite direction takeoff) behind a preceding small aircraft weighing more than 12,500 lbs. by ensuring the following small aircraft does not start takeoff roll until at least 3 minutes after the preceding aircraft has taken off.

4. Inform an aircraft when it is necessary to hold in order to provide the required 3-minute interval.

PHRASEOLOGY-
HOLD FOR WAKE TURBULENCE.

NOTE-
Aircraft conducting touch-and-go and stop-and-go operations are considered to be departing from an intersection.

REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 3-8-2, Touch-and-Go or Stop-and-Go or Low Approach.

b. The 3-minute interval is not required when:

1. A pilot has initiated a request to deviate from that interval unless the preceding departing aircraft is a heavy aircraft/B757.

NOTE-
A request for takeoff does not initiate a waiver request; the request for takeoff must be accomplished by a request to deviate from the 3-minute interval.

2. USA NOT APPLICABLE. The intersection is 500 feet or less from the departure point of the preceding aircraft and both aircraft are taking off in the same direction.

3. Successive touch-and-go and stop-and-go operations are conducted with a small aircraft following another small aircraft weighing more than 12,500 lbs. or a large aircraft in the pattern, or a small aircraft weighing more than 12,500 lbs. or a large aircraft departing the same runway, provided the pilot of the small aircraft is maintaining visual separation/spacing behind the preceding large aircraft. Issue a wake turbulence cautionary advisory and the position of the large aircraft.

EXAMPLE-
“Caution wake turbulence, DC-9 on base leg.”

4. Successive touch-and-go and stop-and-go operations are conducted with any aircraft following a heavy aircraft/B757 in the pattern, or heavy aircraft/B757 departing the same runway, provided the pilot of the aircraft is maintaining visual separation/spacing behind the preceding heavy aircraft/B757. Issue a wake turbulence cautionary advisory and the position of the heavy aircraft/B757.

EXAMPLE-
“Caution wake turbulence, heavy Lockheed C5A departing runway two three.”

5. If action is initiated to reduce the separation between successive touch-and-go or stop-and-go operations, apply 3 minutes separation.

c. When applying the provision of subpara b:

1. Issue a wake turbulence advisory before clearing the aircraft for takeoff.

2. Do not clear the intersection departure for an immediate takeoff.

3. Issue a clearance to permit the trailing aircraft to deviate from course enough to avoid the flight path of the preceding large departure when applying subpara b1 or b2.

4. Separation requirements in accordance with para 3-9-6, Same Runway Separation, must also apply.

REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 3-9-6, Same Runway Separation.

3-9-8. INTERSECTING RUNWAY OPERATIONS

FIG 3-9-5
Intersecting Runway Separation

FIG 3-9-6
Intersecting Runway Separation

FIG 3-9-7
Intersecting Runways

FIG 3-9-8
Parallel Runway

FIG 3-9-9
Departure on Intersecting Runway

FIG 3-9-10
Intersecting Runway Separation

FIG 3-9-11
Intersecting Runway Separation

FIG 3-9-12
Intersecting Runway Separation

FIG 3-9-13
Intersecting Runway Separation

FIG 3-9-14
Intersecting Runway Separation

FIG 3-9-15
Intersecting Runway Separation

FIG 3-9-16
Intersecting Runway Separation

FIG 3-9-17
Runway/Taxiway Proximity

FIG 3-9-18
Runway/Taxiway Proximity