What is your suggestion?
Create a separate stage for Pushback clearance and for Taxi to Runway clearance. This would be similar to how the take-off sequence has been split into Line Up and Take-Off. This would be done only for planes that require pushback as planes that don’t already use to Taxi to Runway button directly such as at BRI and PRG.An accompanying ATC radio can be inserted in the format:
[CALLSIGN] RWY [NUMBER] AT [TAXIWAY] VIA [TAXIWAY]
with the AT and VIA instructions being optional depending on the airport. It’s unnecessary at INN for example but the AT instruction would be required at SXM for A/B aircraft.
How would it work in the game?
- When an aircraft is ready for pushback, it will indicate as normal. The Pushback button becomes available if not using the Ground controller. ATC radio will communicate
[CALLSIGN] STARTUP AND PUSHBACK APPROVED- Once the aircraft has been pushed back and the tug has been disconnected, a small delay will initiate as per suggestion [ATC] - Post-pushback delay before taxi before the Taxi to Runway button shows. This would make the delay for checklist items more explicit as well. Perhaps could also callup ATC saying
[CALLSIGN] READY FOR TAXI- When the button is pressed ATC broadcasts the instruction giving taxi clearance to the runway with additional details where needed.
Why is this a good idea?
It enhances realism of the duties of the ground controller as pushback clearance and taxi clearance are often handled separately. This would also give those that like doing manual ground controller extra control as in some cases you want to wait on taxi to allow other aircraft to taxi past. For those that pay SP for the ground controller, nothing will change, as the ground controller will handle both clearances (along with RWY crossings) and there shouldn’t be any additional delays caused as the stand should become unassigned as soon as pushback is complete.
Optional: Image or reference
