O.K., I guess this is a bit off topic, but I have a small question:On Sunday I took my 737NG from LFPG to EGLL. After landing on runway 09L I didn't know whether I should exit the runway on the left or on the right side. I decided to take the right side, but then I was told to go to a gate on the other (left) side, so I had to cross the runway.I did the flight again yesterday, and after landing I thought "Ah, this time I'll exit on the left side". But then I was told to go to a gate on the right side.x( How am I supposed to know on which side I should exit the runway?And how is it in real life?RegardsThomas

Well of course this varies at different airports, could be what runway you happen to be coming in on and where the gate is located. You see runway crossings at a number of fields like KSFO. I never use default ATC so have no idea what's going on there... [h4]Best Wishes,Randy J. Smithhttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/betaimg.jpg

Randy,I know that runway crossings can be seen on a number of airports. I've experienced that on several flights as a passenger.I only use default ATC if need IFR clearance because of the weather conditions.It's not a big deal, but I would like to know if the pilots get their gate assignment when they are still in the air. I think it would be a bit embarrassing if the pilot exits on the wrong side...:-) RegardsThomas

Hi Thomas,In real life the tower would hand off to ground they may say vacate active to the left/right when able contact ground ___.___ goodbye. Or something close to this. (but in eham their is no handoff from twr to gnd u must contact ground yourself without getting told too) Depends on procedures at the airports. At egll pilots would have some idea of what turn to make depending on their terminal (they may not know the gate number but they would know what terminal. normally)Hope this sheds some light on the matter. Thanks Mark

Pilot will receive expected parking gate info on the company frequency about 20 mins before landing.At this time they will pass any special requests onto the company.The tower controller will advise the pilot to vacate left or right depending on runway in use and gate assignment.The ground controller will give the pilot the final gate assignment.At busy times this can have changed from what was originally planned.In the UK, the airport operator are responsible for assigning the gates to flights. At ORD for instance, the company controls their own ramp area and assigns the gates - they even have their own control tower, with the Airport Ground controller owning the taxi ways. (The ORD example was from a Discovery Channel doc about ORD, things may have changed since then.

Pilots know before they take off what their gate will be (the also know the weather and active runway etc. because they ring ahead).I'm not sure about this part but I think airlines "buy" their gates - for example a specific flight will always leave from a gate that is owned by the airline for that particular timeslot (eg they might own gate 86 between 1100 and 1200 or something). As I said i'm not entirely sure about that part.Hope this helps you! :D

AWWWW... you just beat me to it Mark!Liam

Hi Liam,I was describing the way things happen at my work. The aircraft will contact us on the company frequency, normally at or just after TOD. Sometimes they will call us up on final approach or on the ground to request extra services like a set of steps for the back, as well as the airbridge to speed up the turnaround.

Hi,Pilot's often radio ahead to ground ops at the start of the descent with their expected time of arrival. They are then given a gate for their arrival.Then a quick look on the map of the airfield will tell which exit to expect. But sometimes when the tower hand over to ground they'll usually say something like "take your next left and contact ground on..." That is usually when aircraft need to cross runways (it means the tower need you to do that for a particular reason e.g. an out of use taxiway or traffic behind you or on the taxiway). But usually the pilot can choose, avoiding crossing it saves time as runway needs to be clear so someone ends up getting held up.The procedures vary between airports but this is how they do it at big hubs like Heathrow.We may see that in FS one day, but don't hold your breath!Hope that answers your question.Regards,Aem

Hi Mark!Sorry Mate ;) I wasn't trying to dispute what you were saying - it's just you beat me to the "Post Button" ;)Cya mate!Liam

No worries,I knew that's what you meant. I was just expanding on my original post slightly.

O.K. guys, thanks.Now I know that the next time I get lost there is no need to tell my passengers "Ehm, sorry folks, took the wrong exit,...".I can then say "Well guys, don't blame it on me, blame it on FS9!".:( CheersThomas

Ehhem..Sorry.. but I have to do the gratuitious VATSIM Announcement. Give it a try www.vatsim.net, and you will never use default FS9 ATC again. I am, and it seems that Randy too are avid users =PAndy