FAA Expands Use of RNAV SID Phraseology On Monday, September 17, based
on successful testing at ATL and CLT, the FAA will implement new phraseology for
RNAV SIDs at all locations conducting simultaneous parallel runway departures
(see
ALPA Operations Bulletin 2009-04). ATC will advise aircraft of the initial
waypoint for RNAV SIDs designed to begin at the runway. The phraseology used
will be, "RNAV to (fix/waypoint), runway (number), cleared for takeoff.”
(Example: "Airline 123, RNAV to MPASS, runway two-six left, cleared for
takeoff.”)
The pilot is expected to acknowledge the advisory, just like any other ATC
communication.
These new procedures are meant to provide a final crosscheck to ensure the
programmed FMS path matches ATC expectations. Crews are expected to verify the
first-named fix in the FMS matches their takeoff clearance before departure.
Note that a point defined solely by altitude, without an associated
latitude/longitude in the database, is not a “named fix.”
Pilots should immediately advise ATC if a different RNAV
SID is entered in the aircraft FMS. If the takeoff clearance does not match the
FMS, follow your company policy and reprogram the FMS. ALPA does not recommend
simply requesting a heading and reprogramming the FMS after airborne.
There is no phraseology change for RNAV SIDs when the pilot is assigned a
heading before departure. |