Short Final

Editorial Staff

Sunday, August 26, 2007 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A pilot (Piper 123) repeatedly complained about route extensions causing low fuel and requested a direct route.
Air traffic control (Potomac Approach) explained the route was extended to avoid P-40, identified as the highly restricted Camp David airspace.
Despite the explanation, the pilot continued to focus on fuel issues, prompting ATC to issue a stern warning about the severe consequences of violating P-40 airspace.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Overheard in IFR Magazine's 'On the Air' Section

Piper 123: They keep extending my route. If they keep extending my route Im going to be low on fuel. Why cant I go direct?

Potomac Approach:: Piper One Two Three, unable direct. Direc twill take you over P-40. Proceed direct Hagerstown, Victor 501, Martinsburg, then as previously cleared.

Piper 123: But if they didnt keep extending me I wouldnt get low on fuel.

Approach:: Piper One Two Three, if you feel you are low on fuel I advise you to stop somewhere and get fuel.

After two more exchanges:

Approach:: Piper One Two Three, Im not doing this to you. You cannot fly over P-40. Are you familiar with P-40? Its Camp David.

Piper 123: I know about Camp David, but I didnt see any TFRs. This is making me get low on fuel.

Approach:: Piper One Two Three, if you fly over P-40 youre not going to be worried about fuel.