Hello Fellow Community members! I have created this thread to discuss a commonly misunderstood function with aircraft communication.
I absolutely love controlling an airspace, and instructing aircraft through pattern work, however, there is a common mistake I see with aircraft taking off, and communicating with the other aircraft, or even ATC.
As you see in the screenshot above, therw are two options for requesting takeoff with ATC, or announcing takeoff with an unicom frequency. Whats the difference some new, and sometimes experienced pilots may ask. Lets discuss
First we will deal with âRemaining in the Pattern.â When this is called out, it is meaning that the aircraft plans on staying in the airspace, and returning to that airport, following an Upwind/Departure-Crosswind-Downwind-Base-Final, traffic Patten, like shown below. NOT FOLLOWING YOUR FLIGHT PLAN!
Now lets discuss Departure. When you plan on going to another airpot, and leaving the current airspace, you announce Deparing XXXX. Am example would be, if you plan on Leaving KLAX, and going to another airport. Even if you come back to that airport after the leg, you still announce Departing.
Hope this clears up some confusion, and any questions/additions/comments, please feel free to add below
Thank you! Good day! -Shaydox