EMB ERJ 140 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Airport; Company Policy; Human Factors; Procedure
While taxiing out for take off at DSM we were monitoring the Tower frequency. On the Tower frequency we heard a conversation between DSM Tower and a flight of two F-16's. The F-16's were coming in to land and Tower inquired if they wanted the 'cable' up or down. They responded that they wanted the 'cable' up. Approximately 15 seconds later the Tower advised them the 'cable' was showing 'up.' By this time we were at the hold short lines for Runway 31. A minute or so later; and before the F-16's landed; Tower cleared us for take off. I immediately inquired about the status of the 'cable' and if it was up or down. Tower responded that it was at the departure end of the runway and wouldn't affect our take off roll. I responded back that we were not going to take off with the 'cable' up! Tower seemed flustered and then told us the distance to the cable; which was 9;000+ feet; I said I don't care; we are not taking off with it up. Tower then cancelled our take off clearance and told us to continue holding short of the runway. A minute or so later the F-16's landed; Tower advised us the cable was now showing down; and then cleared us for take off. We took off without incident.
An Air Carrier refused take off clearance when ATC confirmed arresting cables; requested by inbound military aircraft; were up at the departure end of the runway.