Incident Overview at New York JFK
JetBlue Airways’ flight JBU511/B6511, operated by an Airbus A321 with the registration N993JE, encountered a departure delay at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The flight was bound for Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).
Initial Clearance and Request for Delay
Initially cleared for takeoff on Runway 31L, the JetBlue flight crew requested a 30-second delay for internal confirmation. Consequently, the air traffic controller canceled the takeoff clearance and instructed the pilots to vacate the runway.
Communication Between JetBlue and ATC
- ATC granted clearance for takeoff from Runway 31L.
- The crew asked for a 30-second hold to confirm something internally.
- ATC denied the request, canceled the takeoff clearance, and instructed the plane to vacate the runway.
- Despite the crew indicating readiness, the instruction to exit the runway remained.
- Another aircraft, callsign 474, was subsequently cleared for takeoff.
This decision reflects standard ATC practices that emphasize runway efficiency and safety.
Operational Considerations
Runway occupancy times are strictly regulated to avoid disruptions in spacing for departing and arriving flights. ATC procedures aim to prevent prolonged runway holds, which could pose safety risks if another aircraft is waiting for takeoff.
For JetBlue, compliance with ATC instructions required exiting the runway, despite being ready shortly after the request for a hold.
Transcript of the Exchange
| Time Stamp | Conversation |
|---|---|
| 18 | ATC: 511, there’s an intro over Robbinsville. Be more than 90 seconds in position. 31 left, line up. |
| 18 | Pilot (JetBlue 511): Line up and wait, understand, 511. |
| 22 | ATC: 31 at niner, runway 31 left, you’re cleared for takeoff. |
| 38 | Pilot: Cleared for takeoff, JetBlue 511. |
| 46 | Pilot (JetBlue 511): Uh, can we hold for just 30 seconds? |
| 46 | ATC: Who’s asking? |
| 46 | Pilot: 511. |
| 66 | ATC: All right, JetBlue 511, cancel your takeoff clearance, and please exit the runway anywhere you’d like, then right onto Juliet and hold short Zulu. |
| 69 | Pilot: Now we’re ready to go. |
| 79 | ATC: JetBlue 511, please exit the runway, cancel takeoff clearance, enter Juliet, and hold short Zulu. |
| 86 | Pilot: Really, Juliet, hold short Zulu, JetBlue 511? |
| 86 | ATC: It’s not really, it’s a control instruction. Exit the runway, right on Juliet, hold short Zulu. If you have any further questions or concerns, we can take that off frequency. |
| 108 | ATC (to another aircraft 474): Disregard more than 90 seconds in position. Wind 310 at 1, runway 31 left, you’re cleared for takeoff. |
Conclusion
The JetBlue aircraft complied and later resumed normal operations, completing its flight to Las Vegas without further incident. These interactions underscore the importance of balancing operational readiness with adherence to ATC protocols.
