Departure clearance with a crossing restriction at a non-towered field
You are pilot-in-command of a Cessna 172 departing Brunei International (WBSB) Runway 03 for a local VFR training flight to the north training area. You are holding at the holding point with the tower frequency set. Departure clearance is: "Cessna 1234, cleared for take-off Runway 03, after departure turn right heading 060, maintain 1,500 feet, report leaving 1,000 feet, squawk 4321." The tower controller adds: "Cessna 1234, traffic is a helicopter lifting from the pad to your right, will pass behind you." You have a student pilot on board and your planned cruise altitude was 2,000 feet. Your transponder is currently on standby. Winds are calm, visibility 10 km, few cloud at 2,000 feet.
1. What is the correct readback, and which elements of the clearance must you read back verbatim?
Read the worked answer
Read back every safety-critical element: the take-off clearance, the heading, the altitude, the squawk, and acknowledge the traffic information.
A suitable readback: "Cessna 1234, cleared for take-off Runway 03, right heading 060, maintaining 1,500 feet, will report leaving 1,000 feet, squawk 4321, traffic in sight."
Reasoning: heading and altitude are level/route instructions that must be read back; the take-off clearance must be read back in full to confirm the runway; the squawk must be read back to confirm code entry. The traffic information does not require a readback but should be acknowledged. Note that the clearance caps you at 1,500 feet, so your planned 2,000 feet cruise is no longer valid - you must climb to 1,500 feet and remain there unless further cleared. If you cannot comply with any element you must say so before accepting the clearance.
2. When should you switch the transponder from standby to altitude-reporting mode, and what should you do if the tower does not confirm your squawk?
Read the worked answer
Select Mode C (ALT) and the assigned code 4321 before or as you line up, so the controller has a valid return as soon as you are airborne. Do not leave it on standby after departure.
If the tower does not acknowledge the squawk, do not assume it has been received. Continue transmitting on the assigned frequency and, if able, ask: "Cessna 1234, confirm squawk 4321." If the controller reports no secondary return, check that the code is correctly set, that the transponder is not in standby, and that the mode selector is on ALT rather than ON. If the unit still fails, advise ATC: "Cessna 1234, transponder unserviceable, will remain VFR, request instructions." ATC may then apply a non-transponder procedure. Do not change the code without instruction.
3. The helicopter is described as passing behind you. How does that affect your actions after lift-off?
Read the worked answer
Traffic described as passing behind you does not remove your responsibility to see and avoid. After lift-off, maintain runway heading until you have positive visual contact with the helicopter or are satisfied it is clear of your flight path, then turn right to 060 as cleared. Look out to the right before turning - a helicopter lifting from the pad to your right may be obscured by the wing or door pillar.
If you lose sight of it or it appears to be converging, do not turn into it. Level off or delay the turn and tell ATC: "Cessna 1234, traffic not in sight, request delay right turn." ATC will coordinate. The instruction to turn right does not authorise a turn you cannot complete safely; the pilot in command remains responsible for separation from traffic ATC has advised.