Short Final: Be Advised

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot received an unusual air traffic control (ATC) warning about nearby traffic at 9500 feet that "can exhibit abrupt changes in altitude and position."
  • When asked if it was a military aircraft, ATC declined to identify it, stating they were "not really allowed to say."
  • The pilot found the exchange unique and speculated about what kind of unusual aircraft or testing might have been occurring.
See a mistake? Contact us.

One flight recently, I had an interesting exchange with Jacksonville Approach, south of Jacksonville at 9000 feet.

Approach: “N1234, be advised traffic 11 o’clock 10 miles at 9500 can exhibit abrupt changes in altitude and position.”

Me: “Will observe. That a military aircraft?”

Approach: “I’m not really allowed to say. Just watch out.”

That’s a new one for me! I wonder what was being tested in the skies that day.

Andrew Doorey

Raleigh, North Carolina

Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox

SUBSCRIBE