FAA Ground School Practice Test

When should pilots report their position on the airport when calling the tower for takeoff?

1. When rotating for takeoff.

2. When aligned with the runway.

3. When departing from a runway intersection.

4. When entering the traffic pattern.

The correct answer is: When departing from a runway intersection.

When pilots are preparing to take off from an airport, it is crucial to communicate effectively with the control tower to ensure safety and coordination with air traffic. Reporting position when departing from a runway intersection is particularly important. In this context, runway intersections often involve multiple runways or taxiways, where traffic may be converging. By reporting their position when departing from an intersection, pilots provide the tower with vital information about their exact location. This allows air traffic controllers to manage the flow of air traffic more effectively, ensuring that other aircraft are aware of the pilot's actions and can adjust their own operations accordingly. Additionally, this proactive communication can help prevent potential conflict with other departing or arriving aircraft, making it an essential safety measure in busy airport environments. Pilots should be aware of their position relative to airport infrastructure and communicate clearly at appropriate times to maintain safety and efficiency.