NEW YORK- A JetBlue Airways (B6) Airbus A321, registration N993JE, operating as flight JBU511/B6511 from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), was instructed to exit the runway after requesting a brief hold before departure.
The aircraft had been cleared for takeoff on Runway 31L at JFK (JFK), but the flight crew asked for a 30-second delay to confirm something internally. The air traffic controller canceled the clearance and directed the crew to vacate the runway despite their readiness to proceed.
Photo: By Adam Moreira (AEMoreira042281) – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87365424JetBlue Argument with New York JFK ATC
The incident unfolded shortly after JetBlue 511 received clearance for departure. Air traffic control (ATC) initially authorized the takeoff, but the crew interrupted, asking for a short pause.
When the controller inquired about the delay, the pilots responded that they needed confirmation from “someone.”
ATC explained that an aircraft cannot occupy the runway beyond certain time limits without beginning the takeoff roll, as it affects spacing and sequencing for other departing flights.
Since JetBlue 511 was not immediately ready, the controller withdrew the clearance and instructed the crew to exit via Taxiway Juliet and hold short of Taxiway Zulu.
The Communication Exchange
Recordings show the following sequence:
- ATC cleared JetBlue 511 for takeoff from Runway 31L.
- The crew requested a 30-second hold, citing the need for confirmation.
- ATC denied the request, canceling takeoff clearance and instructing the aircraft to vacate.
- The crew stated they were ready, but the controller maintained the order to exit.
- Another aircraft (callsign 474) was then cleared for departure without delay.
This strict decision reflects standard ATC procedures. Controllers prioritize runway efficiency and safety, ensuring aircraft are either airborne or cleared from the active runway to avoid conflicts.
Photo: JetBlueStandard Operating Considerations
Runway occupancy times are tightly regulated. A delay of even half a minute can disrupt spacing for departing and arriving flights.
ATC procedures are designed to prevent extended runway holds, which could create safety risks if another aircraft is approaching or lined up for takeoff.
For JetBlue Airways (B6), the event highlighted how ATC instructions remain final once issued. Even if the crew became ready moments later, compliance required exiting the runway before re-entering the departure queue.
Photo: By Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia – JetBlue Airways, N946JL, Airbus A321-231, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41996034New York JFK ATC
Here are the detailed transcript between the JetBlue pilot and the New York JFK ATC as flagged by You Can See ATC:
{ts:18}
ATC: 511, there’s an intro over Robbinsville. Be more than 90 seconds in position. 31 left, line up.
Pilot (JetBlue 511): Line up and wait, understand, 511.
{ts:22}
ATC: 31 at niner, runway 31 left, you’re cleared for takeoff.
Pilot: Cleared for takeoff, JetBlue 511.
{ts:38}
ATC: 474, 31 left, line up and wait; more than 90 seconds in position for ending trail. 31 left, line up.
Pilot (another callsign): Copy, 474.
{ts:46}
Pilot (JetBlue 511): Uh, can we hold for just 30 seconds?
ATC: Who’s asking?
Pilot: 511.
ATC: 511 can’t take off and hold for 30 seconds. What’s the issue?
Pilot: I just got to get confirmation from someone.
{ts: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.
Pilot: Now we’re ready to go.
{ts:79}
ATC: JetBlue 511, please exit the runway, cancel takeoff clearance, enter Juliet, and hold short Zulu.
Pilot: Really, Juliet, hold short Zulu, JetBlue 511?
{ts: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.
Pilot: Yeah, we understand it, right on short of Zulu, 511.
{ts: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.
Pilot 474: Cleared for takeoff, 474.
Bottom Line
The aircraft taxied as instructed and later continued the flight to Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) without further issues. There were no reports of safety concerns beyond the rejected takeoff clearance.
Such interactions between flight crews and controllers, while routine, emphasize the balance between operational readiness and strict adherence to ATC procedures.
Safety and efficiency dictate that when a delay is requested after clearance, controllers must cancel and re-sequence the aircraft.
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JetBlue Pilots Aborts Landing at New York JFK After ATC Distraction
The post JetBlue Pilot Makes Argument with New York JFK ATC appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
