Working with ATC part 2

I've talked about this before but here are some additional tips when work with ATC, In particular JVL.

Departing
1.  Know where you are on the airport.  Self explanatory right?
2. Don't call ground until you are ready for taxi.  That means have your ATIS, your checklist's finished and your diagram in front of you.  Ground expects you to be moving in short order not 5 or 10 minutes after you call.
3.  At JVL, we do our run-ups at the end of the runway not on the ramp.  The last thing we want to do is blast sand, dust and what-have-you into the $30 million jet or into the open hangar.
4.  Listen to your taxi instructions!  Read back all hold short instructions!
5.  It helps to trace your taxi route on the airport diagram.  Mark the hold short points if told to hold short somewhere.
6.  Note at JVL taxiway B parallels runway 32.  It's not marked very well in front of the Janesville Jet Center.
7.  If you're not sure of what you're doing, Stop! (however, don't stop on a runway)
8.  When you are ready for take off, call tower (not ground).  Again, that means that all checklist are complete, time marked, flaps set and everything is done before you call tower for takeoff.


Arriving
1. Get the ATIS well outside the Class D airspace.
2. Call the tower before entering the Class D. (some towers request the initial call 7 to 10 miles out)
3.  Accurately tell the tower your position.  10 miles west means 10 miles due West.  Don't call West of the airport when you are Northwest.  ATC is expecting you to come from where you say your are.  They issue instruction based on where your are and how they want you to enter the pattern and other traffic.  Screwing this up can be very hazardous. 
4.  Enter the pattern how ATC tells you to.  If they tell you to enter left base, enter on left base NOT 45 degrees to the left downwind.  Remember Non towered airport procedures don't necessary apply to towered airports.  Do what ATC tells you to do!
5.  Listen up.  A number of pilots have been missing ATC calls and instructions.  One situation almost ended with a loss of separation with a much bigger airplane.
6.  Remember to get your landing clearance!  A traffic pattern can be a busy place but you can't land if you don't have a clearance.  Generally, you should have a landing clearance no later than base or a 2 mile finial if straight in. 

That's all for now.