Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Air traffic control (ATC) initially cleared a Cessna for takeoff and instructed it to turn left to a heading of 210 degrees.
  • ATC then repeated the heading instruction after the takeoff clearance.
  • The pilot questioned whether the heading change should occur after takeoff.
  • ATC confirmed the heading change was to be executed after takeoff, leading to amusement.
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While landing in BOI last week, we overheard this great question from a pilot:

Tower:
“Cessna 123, turn left, heading 210, runway 28L; cleared for takeoff.”

Cessna:
“Cleared for takeoff, Cessna 123.”

Tower:
“Cessna 123, also: Turn left, heading 210.”

Cessna:
“You want that after we takeoff, right?”

Tower:
“Yes, that would be best.”

I could barely read back our taxi-off clearance. We and tower were laughing too hard.


Jay G.

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