Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An aircraft encountered a heavily congested frequency after receiving a frequency change in New York/Washington Center airspace.
  • The flight crew experienced a delay in checking in due to the frequency being continuously busy with other aircraft.
  • The pilot eventually found an opportunity to check in, using a humorous phrase ("long-time listener, first-time caller") to acknowledge the wait.
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While traversing New York/Washington Center air space, we received a frequency change. However, when trying to check in, the frequency was congested with multiple aircraft being worked.

This went on for a while.

Finally there was a break, and the PM was able to check in:
“Good afternoon, New York. NXXXXX — long-time listener, first-time caller; FL410.”


Julian McVay

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