Short Final: Aircraft Identification

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An Albatross pilot contacted Peoria Approach, successfully requesting flight following for their trip to Oshkosh.
  • Peoria Approach approved the request and provided the necessary squawk code for the aircraft.
  • The air traffic controller concluded the exchange by making a lighthearted observation, asking if the Albatross was "the one with spare tires on the sides."
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From AVweb reader Ron Rands: Overheard on the radio while en route to Oshkosh. (An Albatross is a Grumman-built Amphibian. See photo):

Albatross: “Peoria approach, Albatross N54321.”

Peoria approach: “Albatross N54321, Peoria approach.”

Albatross: “Peoria, request flight following, destination Oshkosh – Oscar Sierra Hotel.”

Peoria approach: “Albatross N54321 flight following approved, squawk 2451.”

Albatross: “Squawk 2451.”

After a brief pause…

Peoria approach: “Albatross N54321, isn’t your plane the one with spare tires on the sides?”

Mark Phelps

Mark Phelps is a senior editor at AVweb. He is an instrument rated private pilot and former owner of a Grumman American AA1B and a V-tail Bonanza.
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