"Proceed on Course" = "Right turn approved"?

I took of from Reading, PA this morning from RW 31 with an on-course heading
of 105. As I was cleared for takeoff, I was told "Cleared for takeoff,
proceed on course". In the past, they've also added "Right turn approved".
This time they didn't. I was concerned that I hadn't been cleared for a
right turn, and a right turn would have gotten me on course sooner. I then
said "Request right turn to on course" but the controller seemed a bit
irritated and just added "On course approved". Did I have permission for a
right turn in the pattern or not?

--
Bob (Chief Pilot, White Knuckle Airways)

I don't have to like Bush and Cheney (Or Kerry, for that matter) to love
America

I would turn whatever direction needed to get on course.

"Bob Chilcoat" wrote in message
...
I took of from Reading, PA this morning from RW 31 with an on-course
heading
of 105. As I was cleared for takeoff, I was told "Cleared for takeoff,
proceed on course". In the past, they've also added "Right turn
approved".
This time they didn't. I was concerned that I hadn't been cleared for a
right turn, and a right turn would have gotten me on course sooner. I
then
said "Request right turn to on course" but the controller seemed a bit
irritated and just added "On course approved". Did I have permission for
a
right turn in the pattern or not?

--
Bob (Chief Pilot, White Knuckle Airways)

I don't have to like Bush and Cheney (Or Kerry, for that matter) to love
America

"Bob Chilcoat" wrote in message
...
I took of from Reading, PA this morning from RW 31 with an on-course
heading
of 105. As I was cleared for takeoff, I was told "Cleared for takeoff,
proceed on course". In the past, they've also added "Right turn
approved".
This time they didn't. I was concerned that I hadn't been cleared for a
right turn, and a right turn would have gotten me on course sooner. I
then
said "Request right turn to on course" but the controller seemed a bit
irritated and just added "On course approved". Did I have permission for
a
right turn in the pattern or not?

The FARs' default requirement for left turns in the pattern applies to
landings, not departures. So I don't think any particular permission is
required for a right turn after takeoff.

--Gary

Gary Drescher wrote:



The FARs' default requirement for left turns in the pattern applies to
landings, not departures.

And doesn't apply at all to towered airports.

"Newps" wrote in message
...


Gary Drescher wrote:

The FARs' default requirement for left turns in the pattern applies to
landings, not departures.

And doesn't apply at all to towered airports.

I think it does, because 91.129 (Class D ops) incorporates the requirements
of 91.126 and 91.127 (Class G and E ops), except when ATC authorizes a
deviation. I think that's why Bob was wondering if he needed explicit
permission for the turn.

--Gary

Gary Drescher wrote:
"Newps" wrote in message
...


Gary Drescher wrote:

The FARs' default requirement for left turns in the pattern applies to
landings, not departures.

And doesn't apply at all to towered airports.


I think it does, because 91.129 (Class D ops) incorporates the requirements
of 91.126 and 91.127 (Class G and E ops), except when ATC authorizes a
deviation. I think that's why Bob was wondering if he needed explicit
permission for the turn.


No, the left turn preference does not apply to towered airports.

"Newps" wrote in message
...
No, the left turn preference does not apply to towered airports.

How does that jibe with 91.129a?

"Newps" wrote in message
...

No, the left turn preference does not apply to towered airports.


He just explained why it does.


§ 91.129 Operations in Class D airspace.

(a) General. Unless otherwise authorized or required by the ATC facility
having jurisdiction over the Class D airspace area, each person operating an
aircraft in Class D airspace must comply with the applicable provisions of
this section. In addition, each person must comply with §§91.126 and 91.127.
For the purpose of this section, the primary airport is the airport for
which the Class D airspace area is designated. A satellite airport is any
other airport within the Class D airspace area.


§ 91.126 Operating on or in the vicinity of an airport in Class G
airspace.

(b) Direction of turns. When approaching to land at an airport without an
operating control tower in Class G airspace-

(1) Each pilot of an airplane must make all turns of that airplane to
the
left unless the airport displays approved light signals or visual markings
indicating that turns should be made to the right, in which case the pilot
must make all turns to the right; and

(2) Each pilot of a helicopter must avoid the flow of fixed-wing
aircraft.

"Newps" wrote in message
...

And doesn't apply at all to towered airports.


According to FAR 91.129 it does.

Bob Chilcoat wrote:

I took of from Reading, PA this morning from RW 31 with an on-course heading
of 105. As I was cleared for takeoff, I was told "Cleared for takeoff,
proceed on course". In the past, they've also added "Right turn approved".
This time they didn't.

I got the same set of instructions departing from NE Philly from AOPA Expo last fall.
I just turned right when I got to pattern altitude. Nobody said anything, so I
assumed it was correct.

George Patterson
In Idaho, tossing a rattlesnake into a crowded room is felony assault.
In Tennessee, it's evangelism.