Short Final: On Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Radio transmissions from flight schools at active airports can provide entertainment value.
  • An instructor humorously reported unusually long "final approach" distances for Runway 22.
  • The calls included an initial 45-mile final (clarified as a late call from 20 miles out) and a subsequent 30-mile final.
See a mistake? Contact us.

One of the joys of being based at an airport with a very active flight school (Orange County, Montgomery, New York) is the entertainment value of some of the radio transmissions. Witness:

Slightly bored instructor voice: “168 Lima Alpha, 45‑mile final Runway 22.”

Overly excited voice, hence probably a student: “Did you say 45‑mile final?!”

Instructor: “Sorry, actually it’s a late call. We were lined up 20 miles ago.”

Sometime later, even more bored instructor voice: “168 Lima Alpha now 30-mile final Runway 22 …”

Daniel Spitzer, MD
Piermont, New York

Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

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

SUBSCRIBE