Short Final…

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • During pre-takeoff communication, an Air Traffic Controller questioned a pilot and instructor about staying clear of all airspaces.
  • The instructor's reply, "Except yours," was humorously misheard by the controller as "Up yours."
  • The misunderstanding left the instructor and pilot laughing too hard to respond to the controller's query.
See a mistake? Contact us.

No, that’s not what I said.

“I was about to lift off with my instructor from a class D airport in a Robinson R-44. The route of flight would take us very near neighboring Class C airspace. The controller questioned us after we gave our initial heading…”

Controller: Staying clear of all airspaces?

My instructor: …Except yours.

(short pause)

Controller: Did you just say, ‘Up yours’?

We were both laughing too hard to respond.

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