Cleared to Land.

[mvivion]

Flying a Cub into and out of a lot of controlled airspace and towered fields, two of my favorite words are "abbreviated" and "modified."

In the straight-to-the-numbers scenario above, I might report a "modified left base RWY 27." For the short pattern, I might request an "abbreviated left downwind." The expectation on the part of controllers and other pilots is (or should be) a standard pattern, and anything I might intend to do non-standard should include a modifier in the radio call to give others the awareness that I intend a non-standard maneuver of some sort. It's worked well over the year, just include one of those two words (or another like it) and if the controller doesn't understand what you mean, they will typically ask you to clarify your intent.

Except in your second example, the term abbreviated does not imply a short approach. Unless the controller specifically uses that term, you're required to turn base beyond the threshold of the landing runway.

Using "homemade" terminology is no substitute for the approved terminology, unless your purpose is to confuse and or piss off a controller. Why make stuff up when there's very clear and concise terminology approved?

MTV

 

[cubdriver2]

Except in your second example, the term abbreviated does not imply a short approach. Unless the controller specifically uses that term, you're required to turn base beyond the threshold of the landing runway.

Using "homemade" terminology is no substitute for the approved terminology, unless your purpose is to confuse and or piss off a controller. Why make stuff up when there's very clear and concise terminology approved?

MTV

I go into controlled airspace about once every 3 years. Not trying to piss anyone off but I'm even amazed at the " homemade speak " that comes out of my mouth. Always get a nice reply offering help if I need it

Glenn

 

[bob turner]

Sure - when all else fails, use English. But I am with MTV - most communications should be short, and use only the phraseology found in FAA orders and ACs.

The short approach is problematic - around here they are using it to mean anything within a mile of the threshold. The AIM normal approach is "established on final within 1/4 mile of the threshold." To do anything shorter in a Cub requires a giant slip, or a descent at high speed. But the tower is sort of expecting folks to ask for a short approach when they really mean an idle descent from abeam the threshold. I call that a normal approach.

Oh - I am a readback Nazi - my students get used to very short readbacks. I heard one today - the tower responds "traffic two O'clock two miles 1200 feet frequency change approved have a nice flight." Pilot: every single forking word read back, including wishing the tower to have a nice flight. My response would have been "looking - thank you - see ya"

 

[CubCruiser]

Good point, Paul. We should always think carefully what we put out over the radio with ATC....it all goes on tape and these days there's little forgiveness for controllers or pilots on this stuff...
MTV

Not only with ATC, but on many CTAF's as well. With LiveATC.net, the world is hearing and recording our banter for perpetuity.

I just overheard an argument between a helicopter pilot and the pilot in a C140 claiming a runway incursion. Now anyone can download it and send it to the FSDO.

Daryl

 

[CamTom12]

I once got hollered at by a control tower "do not cross my centerline" as I was rolling out on downwind from a ~45 entry. It surprised me, and I didn't know what else to say so I just told him that I was indeed on the left downwind that he had cleared me to enter. After I landed and taxied to parking I got out and looked around - saw C-17s everywhere (ANG based on a dual use airfield). Then I forgave the controller.