Short Final: Discreet Descent

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An air traffic controller cleared a Delta flight to descend "pilot's discretion."
  • The pilot humorously responded by saying they would descend "discreetly."
  • The exchange highlights a playful misinterpretation or rephrasing of standard aviation terminology.
See a mistake? Contact us.

While flying from San Jose International airport to Portland International airport we heard the following:

Oakland Center: “Delta 123, cleared to descend pilot’s discretion to 240.”

Delta 123: “Delta 123 descending to 240, and we’ll do it discreetly.”

Daniel Sternbergh

San Jose, CA

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