Short Final: Say Altitude

Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A pilot responded literally with "Altitude" when Air Traffic Control (ATC) requested "say altitude."
The ATC controller patiently rephrased the request, leading the pilot to provide their current altitude of 5,500 feet.
The exchange humorously illustrates a brief moment of miscommunication and the importance of clear, unambiguous language in aviation.

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I was on an IFR arrival into Houston a while ago with busy Approach Control, when I heard the following exchange:

Approach Control: “N1234 say altitude.”

N1234: “Altitude.”

Approach without hesitation and very patiently: “N1234 say the altitude you are flying.”

N1234: “Oh, 5,500 feet.”

Approach: “Thank you. Altimeter 29.93.”

Mark Robertson

Alvin, TX