 |
| Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air” |
Some years ago at Des Moines, Iowa, I was holding in the run-up area when I heard the tower call an airliner:
Tower:
“Airliner 1234, cleared for takeoff. Runway 30 right.”
Airliner:
“Tower, we’re still waiting for our numbers.”
Tower:
“Roger, Airliner 1234. Cancel departure clearance; hold short of the runway.”
Airliner:
“Airliner 1234, holding short.”/p>
Several seconds later, the pilot’s voice came over the frequency, sounding both apologetic and put out:
Airliner Captain:
“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re experiencing an air traffic control delay, but we should be on our way shortly, as soon as the tower releases us.”
[pause]
Tower:
“Nice speech, Captain, but ATC is not delaying you. Suggest you misinform the passengers on the PA, not my frequency.”
Ralph Lund
Mal Paso Creek, California
