B757 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 240; Flight Crew Total 28000; Flight Crew Type 4000
Other / Unknown
ATC Issue All Types
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure
When we are number 2 for departure; and at the runway hold short line in Las Vegas; the Las Vegas Tower frequently requests as to whether we have the aircraft in sight that is directly in front of us; holding in position on the runway; fifty yards away. When we say we do; then they state that we need to keep them in sight after they takeoff; and during our takeoff. This is virtually impossible; and should not be a stipulation of departure. We can not say we do not see them at 50 yards; but that should not tie us to the departure responsibility for separation; or relieve ATC of their obligations.
LAS air carrier departure expressed concern regarding ATC's application of visual separation with successive departures and the transfer of responsibility to the flight crew.