Departure Separation

Ever wondered why some airplanes take off one right after another and you’re still sitting there thinking, “What the heck?” Don’t worry. You (probably) weren’t forgotten.

Elim Hawkins

Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 05:34 AM ET

Verified

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Key Takeaways:

Air Traffic Control (ATC) prioritizes aircraft separation and safety above a strict "first come, first served" rule, which dictates the sequencing of departing aircraft.
Controllers categorize departures (VFR/VFR, IFR/VFR, IFR/IFR) and apply specific separation rules based on aircraft type and flight plan to ensure safety and maintain efficiency.
ATC utilizes various tools like multiple runways, intersection departures, Line Up And Wait (LUAW), and "fan headings" for IFR traffic to expedite departures, encouraging pilots to be flexible if safe to do so.

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Most of us have experienced taxing out, running up (if needed), then a long wait for Tower to clear you. If you’re IFR, you may think, “What is taking so long?” But what if you’re flying a C182 instead of the C560? “Now all the jets are going ahead! What the heck?!?” (I’ve actually heard this on frequency.)

Throw in a couple VFRs, and you start to wonder even more. All of these jets are going and you’re chilling in your Skyhawk wondering how far the Hobbs will go before getting your turn. I’ve personally been there, done that, got the shirt, and got it cut. With everything going up in price, I will do everything in my power to get planes out as fast as possible, regardless of whether they are IFR or VFR.