"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?


Why would you need specific permission for a right turn? "Proceed on
course" means a turn on course in the shortest direction. In your case, a
right turn is about 155 degrees while a left turn is about 205 degrees, so
you should turn right.