Short Final: Going Together

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A Piper 28D pilot requested a lower altitude from Allentown Approach to avoid an upcoming cloud layer at 7000 feet.
  • The pilot's stated reason for the request was to ensure a smooth ride for his 90-year-old father, who was a passenger.
  • Air traffic control approved the request, allowing the aircraft and its occupants to descend to 5000 feet.
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The ride over was smooth and generally clear on a recent flight, but there were intermittent clouds and bumps at 7000:

Piper 28D: “Allentown Approach, Piper Two Eight Delta, request.”

Allentown Approach: “Go ahead.”

Piper 28D: “We are about to enter a cloud layer at 7000. Is 5000 available? I’ve got my 90‑year‑old dad with me and I’d like him to have a smooth ride.”

Approach: “Both of you can go down to 5000.”

Gabe Buntzman
Bowling Green, KY

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