I was controlling at TFFR on the expert server between the hours of 1300Z and 1500Z.
If you were at TFFR between 1300Z and 1500Z, I want to start off by apologizing for making you, pilots, wait in the departure line for so long. As you know, TFFR requires medium to large aircraft to back taxi down the runway in order to line up for takeoff. The back taxi situation is what made the delays so long and I’m going to explain that shortly.
I had, at one point, at least 15 inbound aircraft at TFFR and I wanted to make sure they all arrived safely and in a timely fashion, but at the same time, I wanted my departures on the ground to leave in a timely fashion. I tried my absolute hardest to make sure both arrivals and departures could fly in and out of TFFR with no issues but this was difficult because of the pilots.
Now, the issues:
Firstly, when you request takeoff and I tell you to hold short, please hold short and wait patiently. This doesn’t mean that after 5 mins you go ahead and request takeoff again. Remember, I can still see you on my radar so I won’t forget you! If you were to take a second and look at your map, you can see the number of planes coming into the airport I’m controlling. This means that you shouldn’t request takeoff multiple times even after I announce that “airport is busy, expect delays” there’s a reason why I said that and you need to abide by that announcement.
Secondly; this is a huge problem that pilots need to correct: When I say “back taxi runway 12, line up and wait, please expedite” please follow that command. Expedite means to perform or do something in a fast manner. I’ve seen countless aircraft back taxi down a runway at 35kts or less. In the real world, aircraft back taxi down a runway at a maximum of 60kts, so if I give the expedite command, please, expedite down the runway at 60kts max.
To conclude, I ask you kindly to please be extremely patient at airports like TFFR. It’ll make the experience less stressful for us controllers and you, the pilots. If this post came out as being rude or disrespectful, kindly let me know.
Thank you! :)
-CptNathanHope, IFATC Specialist
P.S. I received kudos by an IFFG user so if you’re on the forums, thank you for that! :)
I wasn’t present at TFFR at this time, but I learned a lot just by reading your post. I’ve never had to back taxi, so now I know what that’s all about. Secondly I didn’t know that you could exceed 35 kts, but it makes sense since you’re not on the taxiway. Kudos for putting up a very constructive post, and thanks for the info. Cheers, and thanks for taking the time to control, it really makes the piloting experience in IF.
Yes - Unfortunately, many don’t understand how to back taxi. I’ve had to ghost a few people for not listening to my back taxi instructions. I’m glad this post helped you! :)
I have the same issue when I control EGLC and I say to expedite so I can get them ready for takeoff once this guy in final lands and they proceed to go 17kts
I do have to say that I’m pretty easy on the throttle while on the ground. Different aircraft thrust up at different rates, and there’s been times when I accidentally exceed taxi speed completely by mistake. The last thing I want is a violation or a ghost on my record.
Very true there needs to be a clarification for it to pilots.Its causes a mess when you can’t get them to expedite when you need it kicked my desk on time when I had to send someone around because of someone not expediting ;)
I’ve had to make 4 aircraft go around during my session because an aircraft didn’t taxi fast enough. I’ve had very close calls with one arrival being at least 1NM from landing with a departing plane just lifting off the runway.
Lol it’s kind of funny when I send an exit runway type of command just normal because I have an aircraft nearing the hold short line for takeoff, they do what they are supposed to and just at their own speed taxi off. But when I have someone on final and I tell them to expedite…they just taxi off at their own speed. 😂😫
It is very helpful to have this posted out since I’ve been dealing with that particular issue. Thank you for posting this. As an IFATC it makes life easier if pilots know every part of their flight in contact with controllers. Have a great day guys!
I’m pretty sure I was incoming as you weren’t accepting anymore planes so I just made a transition. You seemed to have your hands full. I applaud you for sticking with it to ensure a good experience for everyone.