Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The pilot, in a "tired rental Arrow," was cleared to climb to 7,500 feet near Melbourne.
  • Air traffic control instructed the pilot to maintain their best rate of climb.
  • The pilot humorously responded, "I'm pedaling as fast as I can," implying the aircraft's performance was suboptimal.
  • The anecdote highlights a lighthearted exchange between a pilot and air traffic control regarding aircraft performance.
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Departing north from Moorabbin (YMMB) on a warm summer’s day, in a very tired rental Arrow, I was cleared to climb in class C over the busy approach to Melbourne.

Centre:
“ABC, cleared to Eildon Weir; climb 7,500.”

[shortly thereafter …]

Centre:
“ABC, maintain best rate of climb.”

Me:
“Best rate? I’m pedaling as fast as I can.”


Andrew Fry
via e-mail

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