LOT Airlines 787 Pilots Face New York ATC in Cabin Delay Dispute

NEW YORK- A recent incident at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) involved LOT Polish Airlines (LO) and a Boeing 787-9, which faced a short but intense ground exchange due to a delayed departure at runway 31 Left. The aircraft was scheduled to operate flight LO27 from JFK to Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport (WAW) when the flight crew requested additional time before takeoff.

The tower initially instructed the plane to enter the runway, but conflicting reports from the cockpit led controllers to pull the aircraft from the departure queue and reposition it for better sequencing with other traffic.

LOT Polish 787 Delayed

The LOT Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered SP-LSF, was taxiing toward runway 31 Left at JFK for its scheduled departure to Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport (WAW).

As LOT5N heavy reached the holding point, the flight crew informed the tower that the cabin was not yet ready. A request for one to two minutes was made before entering for takeoff.

The controller then instructed the aircraft to enter runway 31 Left and exit via taxiway Y to clear the runway for other aircraft. As the plane approached the threshold, the crew unexpectedly reported their readiness for departure.

However, the tower maintained their initial plan, directing the aircraft to continue entering the runway and turn off at Yankee, indicating it was the third instruction of this nature.

While LOT5N heavy repositioned via Yankee and Juliet, the tower cleared JetBlue 1128 for takeoff from runway 31 Left. The LOT flight was then handed over to ground control, which advised the crew to confirm their readiness before rejoining the departure queue.

Once the crew signaled their preparations were complete, they were directed back towards the runway for resequencing.

ATC Instructions and Crew Readiness

This incident underscores the vital need for timely communication regarding readiness between flight crews and air traffic controllers.

At JFK, runway availability requires careful coordination, as any uncertainty at the last minute can disrupt flow. Air traffic controllers managed to keep the runway active by spacing other aircraft out and guiding LOT5N to a safe taxi route until readiness was confirmed.

Large international flights, such as LOT’s long-haul service to Warsaw, demand meticulous cabin preparations. Any delays during this phase can create stress for crews, especially during peak traffic times. By removing LOT5N from the departure line, ATC ensured efficiency while maintaining safety standards.

ATC and Pilots Communications

Below is a transcription of the communication between the LOT Polish Airlines pilots and New York ATC, as noted by YouCanSeeATC:

{ts:10}
Tower: LOT five November heavy, can you line up runway 31 left for takeoff?
Pilot: We need two minutes…

{ts:21}
Tower (to another flight): Delta 807, you can turn left Victor, left Uniform, left Alpha to your ramp, or you can take Whiskey, whatever. Delta 807 ground 21.

{ts:32}
Tower: LOT five November heavy, can you line up 31 left for takeoff?

{ts:43}
Pilot: We need two minutes more, or one minute, I reckon.
Tower: LOT five November heavy, what’s the issue?

{ts:54}
Pilot: We have cabin not prepared yet.
Tower: Cabin’s not prepared and you’re number one at the runway. Okay… LOT five November heavy, enter runway 31 left, turn right at Yankee, right on Juliet.

{ts:77}
Tower: LOT five November heavy, enter runway 31 left, turn right Yankee, right on Juliet.
Pilot: Okay, line up 31 left… and we are ready now.

{ts:84}
Pilot: We are ready now, LOT…
Tower: No, no, no, LOT five November heavy, we’re not doing this. Enter 31 left, turn right Yankee. It’s the third time I’ve told you this.

{ts:90}
Pilot: Okay, enter 31 left, turn right Yankee.

{ts:98}
Tower (to another flight): JetBlue 1128, position and hold runway 31 left.
Pilot (JB1128): 31 left, JetBlue 1128.

{ts:110}
Tower: LOT five November heavy, right Yankee, right on Juliet, you can contact ground 129.1.
Pilot: Right Yankee, right Juliet, 129.1, LOT five November heavy.

{ts:124}
Ground: LOT five November heavy, Yankee?
Pilot: LOT five November heavy, roger, continue straight ahead Yankee.

{ts:132}
Ground: Straight ahead Yankee, hold short Hotel. LOT five November heavy, just let me know when you’re ready to go, I’ll get you back in line up.

{ts:141}
Pilot: We are ready for departure.
Ground: No problem. Right Juliet and hold short 31 left.

{ts:149}
Pilot: Right Juliet, hold short 31 left, LOT five November heavy.
Ground: LOT five November heavy, monitor tower 119.1, bye-bye.
Pilot: Thank you.

Conclusion

The documented exchanges captured the flight crew’s readiness concerns, the tower’s directives to vacate the runway, and ground control’s follow-up. Despite the crew’s untimely readiness report, the tower maintained clarity in procedures, ensuring no potential conflicts arose.

Have you ever encountered a similar situation while traveling? We’d love to hear your thoughts!