Runway Change Phraseology?

StuSEL Junior Member West Lafayette, IN

How would a local controller go about advising an aircraft to change to a different runway? For instance, if AAL220 is on final for Runway 25L, but the aircraft which just landed ahead of AAL220 is taking WAY too long to exit the runway, and Runway 25R is a much better option at this point, what is the proper phraseology?

I thought at one point I read something in the .65 which mentioned the phraseology, "CHANGE RUNWAY, RUNWAY X CLEARED TO LAND," but after doing a quick search of the .65, I can't find it anywhere.

Thanks!

atcguruaf Rico Suave AZ

The method you describe is technique only, one that I use as well as every controller that I have ever worked with. Here is the REASON for the technique:

Pilots get complacent, just as controllers and anyone else in their job where they do the same thing most every day.

That being said, yes, TECHNICALLY, you can just state "Runway 25R, cleared to land"... however, this is not a good technique. With complaceny involved, you risk the chance of the pilot reading back 25R, but landing on 25L, causing an unneeded and unwanted go-around, meaning you have to work harder at getting him back in the landing sequence. You also run the risk of issuing the "correct runway" (25R) and the pilot reading back the incorrect runway (25L), making you work harder because you have to ensure a proper readback, and now you're questioning "did he say left, or right?" It's a potential disservice to the pilot, controller, and user of the system. Here's the reason for the "change to" technique:

If a pilot has been cleared for an approach to 25L, or even cleared to land 25L, or anything involving 25L, it's good to say CHANGE TO, or even simply CHANGE, because it puts something in the pilots head that something's about to be changed. If you were ever in the military, it's kind of like "FLIGHT" halt. It's used almost like as a "prepatory command" - letting the pilot know to prepare for something to change.

I know there's a lot of gibberish in there, and I hope it's not adding confusion. But everywhere I've worked, that's how it's done because it's effective. I worked with someone at IWA that changed a guy's runway, without stating "Change".... after reviewing the tapes, the pilot read back the correct runway, but attempted to land on the center runway. The controller sent the aircraft around and he had to be resequenced.

It's just more heartache than it's worth, especially for a technique that's been proven effective. You won't find anything in the .65 stating the technique, but nevertheless, it's a good one.

If you're looking for the "black and white", you won't find it, and it's not "required", but good luck not using it.

ER

sKwish Rookie

This argument came up yet again today in the tower. I like to say what atcguruaf said or i go "____, landing clearance canceled for Rwy27L, Rwy27R cleared to land" mainly because when you say the word CANCELED, pilots tend to open their ears

Wponcho Junior Member Orlando

You will find that a lot of your atc career will be surrounded by technical with a ton of technique. Typically there is a reason the "seasoned" controllers do the things they do regardless of if it's actually in the .65. Most of atc is conducted in a CYA atmosphere. In sKwish's post he/she stated: "I like to say..." Without me knowing his/her experience, I can say that a technique is already developed.

sKwish Rookie

CYA is definitely the right term. after you see a c172 land on the wrong rwy in front of a GLF4- you start thinking about a backup career

whegner Junior Member

ATCGuru and sKwish are both correct in that it is a technique thing. However, I would suggest that you always cancel the landing clearance on the first assigned runway. It does two things; first it covers everyone on the tapes, second; it is an attention getter.

"ACID, Rwy 25 L landing clearance canceled for aircraft on runway, make approach to (or change to) Rwy 25R cleared to land."

Just my 2 cents.

P_to_the_R Ruler of the Movement Area funkytown

i concur with the above sequenced letters.