VFR Departure

Standard departure sequence

A VFR departure from a controlled aerodrome follows four distinct communications:

1. "Ready for departure" — you're at the holding point and ready
2. "Line up and wait" or "Line up runway X" — authorized to enter runway (not always given)
3. "Cleared for take-off" — authorized to take off
4. "Contact [next station]" — frequency change after departure

Let's examine each phase.

"Ready for departure"

When you reach the active runway holding point, engine checks done, pre-departure briefing complete, you announce to TWR:

From this moment you're awaiting clearance. The controller evaluates:

• Runway free? (no aircraft on runway or final)
• Spacing with next arrival? (at least 1-3 minutes, depending on category)
• Conflicts in CTR? (other VFRs in pattern, coordinated IFR departures)

If no immediate clearance, the controller may answer with:

• "HB-PMR, hold position" — stop at holding point, wait
• "HB-PMR, line up runway 19, traffic on final" — enter runway but don't take off yet
• "HB-PMR, cleared for take-off runway 19" — go

"Line up" and "Line up and wait"

"Line up runway X" means: enter the runway, align for take-off, but don't take off. Used when the controller wants you ready on the runway (to anticipate departure) but there's still an aircraft on final or a conflict.

"Line up and wait" is the standard ICAO version emphasizing the "wait". The US uses "position and hold", but in Europe the standard is "line up and wait".

"Cleared for take-off"

It's the take-off clearance. Only after receiving it can you apply power and start the take-off run. Typical phraseology includes:

• Explicit clearance: "Cleared for take-off runway X"
• Wind: "Wind 200 degrees 6 knots"
• Any post-departure instructions: "After departure, turn left heading 270, climb altitude 4000 feet"

"Rolling departure"

In some situations the controller can authorize a rolling departure: instead of stopping at the holding point and then entering the runway, you flow directly from taxi to take-off without stopping.

Used to maximize throughput when an aircraft is on final and the controller wants to clear the runway quickly. The pilot must be completely ready — no hesitation.

After take-off: the first frequency

Once airborne, after leaving the runway, the controller usually instructs you to:

• Continue in CTR (report an exit point)
• Change frequency (switch to INFO, APP, or another unit)

Cancelling a take-off

If for any reason you decide not to take off after "cleared for take-off" (e.g. doubts on engine operation, second thoughts on check), communicate immediately:

No penalty, no bureaucracy: safety comes first. The controller would rather manage a cancellation than a take-off emergency.

Swiss specifics

Summary — to remember

1. Four communications: ready → line up → cleared for take-off → contact next.
2. "Line up" is not "take-off" — don't take off without explicit clearance.
3. Cleared for take-off always includes wind and sometimes post-departure instructions.
4. Rolling departure: smooth, completely ready.
5. Cancelling a take-off has no penalty — safety first.
6. After take-off, next frequency given by TWR.

Sources

• ICAO Doc 4444 — PANS-ATM, Chapter 7
• ICAO Doc 9432 — Manual of Radiotelephony, Chapter 5
• AIP Switzerland — AD 2 (airport procedures)
• Aero Locarno · Subject 090 — VFR Communications