Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot reported a high-pitched whine on the radio to a typically serious Palm Beach Approach controller.
  • The controller, unusually, responded sarcastically that the radio was "scared."
  • Another pilot then chimed in, remarking, "Hell, we're all scared!", adding to the unexpected humor.
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Overheard in IFR Magazine's 'On the Air' Section
Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air”

Palm Beach, Florida approach was busy, as usual. My experience is that they’re always 100% business and 0% humor. They must have had a new controller at the mic:

Approach:
“Mooney Three Four November, squawk VFR; frequency change approved.”

Mooney 34N:
“Approach, uh, roger – and I want to report that your radio has a high pitched whine.”

Approach (sarcastically):
“That’s because it’s scared.”

Unknown Third-Party Pilot:
“Hell, we’re all scared!”

Tom Tripp
via e-mail

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