Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Memphis ATC repeatedly instructed "Heavy Iron 123" to reduce its speed to 210.
  • The pilot of "Heavy Iron 123" initially failed to respond to these instructions.
  • ATC issued a very stern, and slightly humorous, warning about collision risk and a potential detour, which immediately prompted the pilot to comply.
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Overheard in IFR Magazine's 'On the Air' Section
Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air”

Overheard near the Tennessee/Alabama border:

Memphis:
“Heavy Iron 123, reduce speed to 210.”

[no response]

Memphis:
“Heavy Iron 123, reduce speed to 210.”

[no response]

Memphis:
“Heavy Iron 123, reduce speed to 210, now. You’re about to knock the rudder off that traffic in front of you. Or, if you’d rather you can have a tour of the state of Alabama … .”

Heavy Iron 123:
“Reducing to 210.”

John Austin
Memphis, Tennessee

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