Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Two retired pilots shared instances of festive holiday spirit encountered through air traffic control communications.
  • One pilot recalled a melodic, holiday-themed ground control clearance received at ORD airport.
  • Another pilot experienced Christmas-themed ATIS messages, including "Information Raindeer" and "Information Santa Clause" at Burbank, and a directive to offer holiday greetings at Van Nuys on Christmas Day.
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A double-dose of holiday merriment to celebrate the season.


As a retired NWA/Rep/NCA pilot, I spent a lot of time in and out of ORD. One time, leaving the gate for departure, we heard ground control say to us:

“Via the outer and over the bridge, to 32 rt you go.”

Very melodic for the season.


John Clark
via e-mail


In the early 1970s, just before Christmas:

Landing at Burbank, California, the ATIS was:

“Information Raindeer”

When we departed a short time later, it was:

“Information Santa Clause”

On Christmas Day a few days later, Van Nuys ATIS:

“Advise Van Nuys Ground or Tower on initial contact that you are having a merry Christmas.”


Terry Lankford
via e-mail

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