Runway manoeuvre clearances
Runway manoeuvres: approaches, touch-and-goes and stops on the runway itself.
| Manoeuvre | What it is |
|---|---|
| Low approach | approach over the runway, including overshoot, with intentional no runway contact |
| Touch-and-go | lands, then takes off again without stopping |
| Stop-and-go | lands, comes to a complete stop on the runway, then takes off from that point |
| Multiple touch-and-gos | more than one touch-and-go in a single pass along the runway |
Clearances:
- Standard landing clearance presumes landing and exiting the runway.
- Touch-and-go needs a separate clearance, normally "cleared for touch-and-go" (TP 1102).
- Multiple touch-and-gos: for student pilots training with an instructor, authorized only in light traffic (TC AIM RAC 4.4.3).
Downwind call (TP 1102, Radio Communication: Tower Control Arriving):
- Call tower when established mid-downwind.
- State intended landing type (full stop, touch and go) or request the option.
Circuit exercise request (from downwind):
- Can ask for: touch-and-go, low approach, missed approach, stop-and-go, full stop landing, simulated rejected takeoff, reduced power takeoff, simulated engine failure, or the option.
- The option: pilot's choice of touch-and-go, low approach, missed approach, stop-and-go, or full stop landing (TC AIM GEN Definitions). Usually used when traffic is light (TC AIM RAC 4.4.3).
- Busy traffic: expect
UNABLE DUE TO (reason). - If approved, read back
CLEARED FOR THE OPTION RUNWAY (number)with runway number (NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology, Circuit Exercises).
Trap: calling a touch-and-go a full-stop landing; standard landing clearance presumes runway exit.
References
- TC AIM GEN Definitions: low approach, touch-and-go, stop-and-go, multiple touch-and-gos
- TP 1102, Approach and Landing: Touch-and-Go
- TC AIM RAC 4.4.3, Landing Clearance
- NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology, Circuit Exercises
- TP 1102, Radio Communication: Tower Control Arriving