Departure Information and the Critical "At Own Discretion" Phrase

When you are ready to depart, you announce your position (holding point runway X) and state that you are ready for departure. The AFIS station will respond with wind, runway, and the phrase "take off at own discretion."

This phrase is non-negotiable and carries a specific legal meaning. It means:

The station is providing information, not a clearance
The station has NOT checked the airspace for approaching traffic.
You alone are responsible for ensuring the runway is clear and no aircraft is on approach.
You must look outside and make a safe decision.

Departure at Own Discretion

OE-CMV

POSITION: Holding point runway 27

ACTION: Ready for departure

PILOT: Wels Radio, OE-CMV, holding point runway 27, ready for departure.

RADIO: OE-CMV, wind 280 degrees 3 knots, runway 27, take off at own discretion.

PILOT: Wind 280 degrees 3 knots, runway 27, take off at own discretion, OE-CMV. [Now the pilot looks outside, checks for approaching traffic, ensures the runway is clear, and decides it is safe to take off. The pilot then takes off.]