>>>I believe it was the Vegas tower's
responsibility NOT to put you on that runway unless he was able to give
you the 3 minutes there. I think you should talk to the FAA and ask for
the tapes. You may get your plane fixed for free.
 It is their responsibility to ensure the runway environment
they control is safe within reasonable bounds. A pilot cannot be
expected to know when it is safe to takeoff into vortex turbulence in a
Class B, since there are often multiple landings & departures, sometimes
from crossing runways. >>>

Bill H. is correct-- the pilot in command is the directly responsible and the
final authority as to the operation of that aircraft-- see FAR 91.3. The
tower controller did not say "you must takeoff--" he said, "takeoff or clear the
runway."

Wake Turbulence separation is contained in AIM 7-3-1. The pilot can waive
those restrictions.

Another subject --stopped by Falcon for a chat on insurance issues. Bottom
line. How many $10,000 premiums does it take to make up for a million dollar
loss?

Jeff Edwards
LIVP
CFI

Fly safe-- read the regs