Short Final: 'Stand-Up' Controller

Short Final: ‘Stand-Up’ Controller

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 08:42 PM ET

Verified

Credit: Wikimedia

Key Takeaways:

A pilot mistakenly requested an "RNAV 26 Right Approach" but immediately self-corrected their error.
The Phoenix Tower controller responded with humor and empathy, acknowledging that "we all make mistakes" and sharing a lighthearted personal anecdote.
The controller then proceeded to issue the correct "RNAV 26 Approach" clearance.

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From IFR Magazine reader Larry Anderson:

I recently had my Jetprop panel updated at a Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport FBO. We conducted several test flights to verify everything was working correctly and the airplane could be signed off for release. On one approach, this was the conversation with the Tower:

Jetprop: “Phoenix Tower, Jetprop 1234 is cleared for the RNAV 26 Right Approach. Oh wait, my bad. There isn’t a 26 Right. We are cleared for the RNAV 26.”

Phoenix Tower: “That’s OK. We all make mistakes. I’ve been married four times. Cleared RNAV 26 Approach.”