Which phrase would a controller use to indicate the engine start time under gate holds?

Which phrase would a controller use to indicate the engine start time under gate holds?

• A. Engine start time
• B. Prepare to start engines
• C. Engine start now
• D. Expect engine start (time)

Answer: (D)

In this situation, the ability to convey a planned action and its timing using standard phraseology is what’s being tested. Controllers use “expect” to indicate a forecasted action, followed by the action and the time in parentheses. This structure clearly communicates to the flight crew that engine start is anticipated, and the exact time will be noted or adjusted as needed. Saying “Expect engine start (time)” gives the crew both the action to anticipate and a designated slot for the start time, which is essential when aircraft are held at the gate. Why it’s the best fit: it combines the action (engine start) with the timing (time) in a forecasted, non-urgent way. It tells the crew to prepare and coordinate, while leaving the door open for adjustments if needed, which is exactly how holds are managed. Why the others don’t fit as well: the plain phrase “engine start time” lacks a verb and does not convey a forecast or instruction. “Prepare to start engines” signals readiness but not a specific start time. “Engine start now” is a direct instruction for immediate action, inappropriate for a hold situation. “Engine start (time)” omits the essential “expect,” which signals a forecast rather than a command.

In this situation, the ability to convey a planned action and its timing using standard phraseology is what’s being tested. Controllers use “expect” to indicate a forecasted action, followed by the action and the time in parentheses. This structure clearly communicates to the flight crew that engine start is anticipated, and the exact time will be noted or adjusted as needed. Saying “Expect engine start (time)” gives the crew both the action to anticipate and a designated slot for the start time, which is essential when aircraft are held at the gate.

Why it’s the best fit: it combines the action (engine start) with the timing (time) in a forecasted, non-urgent way. It tells the crew to prepare and coordinate, while leaving the door open for adjustments if needed, which is exactly how holds are managed.

Why the others don’t fit as well: the plain phrase “engine start time” lacks a verb and does not convey a forecast or instruction. “Prepare to start engines” signals readiness but not a specific start time. “Engine start now” is a direct instruction for immediate action, inappropriate for a hold situation. “Engine start (time)” omits the essential “expect,” which signals a forecast rather than a command.