B737 Next Generation Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
ATC Issue All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
General None Reported / Taken
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
While on approach to 20R inside the outer marker at LEMON; the tower cleared a 737 to cross 20L and into position on 20R. The aircraft was then cleared to takeoff as we were now on short final. As the aircraft left the runway; we were finally cleared to land and landed on 20R as the preceding aircraft was leaving the runway. After arriving at the gate I called the tower and spoke with the supervisor. I asked him: 1) What is the minimum separation between an aircraft taking off and an aircraft landing on the same runway? 2) Why would you clear an aircraft; not only not holding short of the intended runway for takeoff; but clear him to cross another runway before taxiing into position on the intended runway; with a jet inside the outer marker? This is not the first time. The supervisor stated that 6000 ft was the minimum separation between aircraft taking off and landing. Notice SNA runway 20R is only 5700 ft in length. I informed him that I felt the separation was just too close. My wheels should not be touching down just as the preceding aircraft is leaving the runway; 6000 ft ahead. We also experienced the jet's wake while in the flare.This is not unusual. Tower controllers always seem in a rush to 'get 'em out' and as I have written in previous reports; by constantly clearing aircraft for takeoff before the preceding aircraft has even left the same runway. Watch what kind of attitude you get when you state that you want to delay take-off until the preceding aircraft at least leaves the runway before you begin your takeoff roll. I've yet to receive an answer as how to 'avoid wake turbulence from the preceding aircraft' while either taking off or landing after receiving clearance to do so.Increase the separation between aircraft for either takeoff or landing?
B737 Captain reported concern with the tight spacing in use between departures and arrivals at SNA.