IFR - Clearance copy practice

[flyinga]

What Rob said, but I use Flt Plan.com. I know the clearance before I call CD. Haven't had a change yet.

[turbo]

The route part is the hard part to get. Tell them you are unfamiliar with the area and to spell out the waypoints. CRAFTY EHH.

I have heard all types of pilots need a read back when there has been too much coffee consumption. Now stand by for a full reroute.

[Bavafa]

Originally Posted by flyinga

What Rob said, but I use Flt Plan.com. I know the clearance before I call CD. Haven't had a change yet.

I have been using Fltplan for nearly every filing and seldom I get the route sent to me, but always get an e-mail that it was filed. Now, granted most of the time I get the same route as I have filed so that might be the reason.

[rjbob]

Originally Posted by RV10Rob

Sign up for text message alerts from FlightAware. They'll send you your route as soon as it's in the system. Supposedly it can change, but in my experience, it's always the same.

Also, look at an approach plate for the departure frequency and write it down before you call for your clearance.

A lot of great ideas here. Although I've been IFRing for many years (and I use Flight Aware), I wasn't "aware" of this service.
I will certainly take advantage of it...THANKS!

[7DeltaLima]

Good ideas here. Thanks. I have this form that I use for myself which helps a lot for the initial clearance. I've always been told to just write down what you hear and not try to understand but seems I struggle with this part if not familiar with the area. As Turbo stated, the changes enroute are the hardest for me.

____N277CK________________ is cleared to ____________________ airport

__________________________________________________ ____________
(as filed, via, etc.)

After departure Runway ______

Turn / fly _________. Climb and maintain ___________, expect _______ in _____.

Departure ______

Squawk ______________

I'll try to listen in to some of the recorded clearances.

Regards,
Doug

[JRichichi]

Hi Doug,

Welcome to the club of having issues when copying clearances. Not only did I have problems in the beginning, so have several of my instrument students. Something I found that has helped is the COMM1 "Clearances On Request" CD. You can find it at several of the typical sources (Sporty's, Aircraft Spruce, etc.). It's not cheap but the best thing about it is you get to hear the proper phraseology and not the slang you typically hear on things like LiveATC or over the local radio. COMM1'S other radio simulators are good too for their respective use. You can also practice this without burning 100LL!!

I hope this helps.

Jeff

[pilottangocharlie]

I will second LiveATC. Stick with CRAFT.

Don't rely too much on expected route and what you think your clearance will be. It isn't always correct. I got surprised with a very lengthy clearance flying out of Boston last week and none of it was in the expected clearance ForeFlight and FlightAware gave me.

[Flameout]

LOTS of great ideas here! And many I did not know about like text alerts, etc..
I have been flying for NetJets for 15 years, and we go to many far-flung airports large and small. My best advise is to never be afraid to say, "please say again the routing, slowly this time" or "what was the initial altitude again" or "what's the identifier for DuPont" or whatever. Get it all written down, corrected as needed, before reading it back.

When ATC reads the clearance rapid-fire like an auctioneer, I used to get frustrated. Now with experience i just put the pen down until he's done, and slowly and politely ask him to repeat it. Its actually amusing to me when they read it so fast, as if they are saving time only to have to say it again a second or even third time! (Same with ATIS, for that matter.--a special pet peeve of mine.)

Experience helps, i guess, when it comes to not being intimidated by ATC, but I bet that after asking them to repeat just a few times it won't feel so weird. YOU are the one in charge, not them!

Marc

[daddyman]

Doug,
United gave the discretion of their captains to broadcast on channel 9 of rue sitting in the back of the bus.
I ask when I enter the cabin, provided I'm not interrupting checklist review.

Most agree when they see my Vans Hat.
I listen in and copy clearances on my kneeboard. I find it more fun than in-flight movies, and it is "real-world".

Some United 4 -stripers have confided they believe it opens them up to liability, but I think that is perceived, not so real.

Daddyman
Dues paid (happily)

[Mudfly]

I remember a few years back (before pdc), hearing an "experienced" airline pilot call for clearance at a major NYC airport. He told the clearance delivery guy when he called for clearance..."We can do this one time slowly, or two times quickly".