Definition
An air traffic control request used when the controller wants the pilot to confirm the runway or direction the pilot intends to use for takeoff, or the direction of turns after takeoff. It is issued when the controller is uncertain about the pilot's intentions or wants to make sure the pilot's plan matches the clearance or local procedures.
Plain English
The controller is asking the pilot to say again, clearly, which way they plan to take off, or which way they plan to turn once airborne. It is a check to make sure both pilot and controller are on the same page before the airplane leaves the ground.
Context Anchor
You may hear or see this when getting a departure clearance from a non-towered airport, especially when talking to air traffic control by radio or through a flight service relay before takeoff.
Derivation
Verify comes from the Latin verus, meaning true. To verify is to confirm something is true or correct. In ATC use, the controller is asking the pilot to confirm the truth of their stated intention before action is taken on it.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures safe separation from other traffic and prevents runway incursions or mid-air conflicts during the critical takeoff phase.
Intuition Check
Do not treat this as a takeoff clearance or an instruction to turn a certain way. It is a request for you to confirm what you plan to do after takeoff.
Example Sentence 1
Tower called, Cessna Three Four Romeo, verify specific direction of takeoff, and the pilot replied, departing Runway Two Seven, straight out.
Example Sentence 2
ATC requested the pilot verify specific direction of takeoff or turns after takeoff to maintain separation from arriving traffic.