On Wed, 10 Aug 2005 21:40:25 GMT, "Steven P. McNicoll"
wrote:


"Matt Whiting" wrote in message
...

A lot of time? I don't see it. Unless the hold line is way back from the
runway, I can typically taxi onto the active and be rolling at full
throttle in 10 seconds or less. All they need to do is clear me for
takeoff when the airplane that just landed is 10 seconds or so from
clearing the runway and no time at all will be lost.


How long do you think it takes a heavy to do the same?

A DC-9 isn't a heavy, but I was on one at Philli International who was
bringing up the power during the turn onto the runway. We could hear
the tire squeal inside the plane. Still, I'd probably be able to get
out there and rolling sooner than he could. OTOH he could be "way up
there" while I'm just leaving the pattern.

I've always found it a bit intimidating to be taxiing behind something
I could taxi under, particularly with the knowledge there is another
big one right behind that I hope doesn't forget I'm there.

Several times I've been looking at a quarter mile, or longer, line of
planes ahead and heard, Thirty Three Romeo, turn on next taxiway, hold
short for departing traffic. Expect intersection departure. When they
said cleared for departure it had the word "expedite" in there. (Do
they still do that? Intersection take offs mixing with the big guys.
I haven't been into one of the really busy airports in over 6 or 7
years.)

Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair)
www.rogerhalstead.com