Readback: September 2019

Im so glad you tackled the question of whether it is a requirement to report leaving an altitude. I read the regs years ago and have continued to report leaving on every altitude change but I often feel I am alone or perhaps one of a small minority. Ive gone back and reviewed the regs again to see whether I was doing it incorrectly since I wasnt hearing many others doing so and it does take more air time to say, ...leaving flight level 240 descending flight level 200 than 200, when cleared from FL240 to FL200, for example.

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, September 03, 2019 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Pilots should adhere to standard phraseology for reporting altitude changes, including stating when "leaving" an altitude, to ensure clear communication.
A universal phone number (888-766-8267) is available for clearance delivery, offering a convenient alternative to local frequencies.
US Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs) typically extend 24 hours, but designated airports supporting transoceanic flights issue 30-hour TAFs as specified by NWS instructions.
Instrument approaches may have only circling minimums, even when aligned with the runway, primarily due to obstacles prohibiting lower minimums, high Minimum Descent Altitudes (MDAs), or nonstandard runway markings.

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Reports Leaving

I’m so glad you tackled the question of whether it is a requirement to report leaving an altitude. I read the regs years ago and have continued to report leaving on every altitude change but I often feel I am alone or perhaps one of a small minority. I’ve gone back and reviewed the regs again to see whether I was doing it incorrectly since I wasn’t hearing many others doing so and it does take more air time to say, “…leaving flight level 240 descending flight level 200” than “200,” when cleared from FL240 to FL200, for example.

It seemed the full statement was required but it’s nice to see it in print in your magazine. It’s like so many people I hear saying “eleven six for sixteen” instead of “one-one thousand six hundred climbing one-six thousand,” for example. It’s normally understood what they’re reporting but it’s non-standard so more possibilities exist for miscommunication.