Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An air traffic controller at Selfridge Approach mistakenly identified inbound traffic as a "whacko" instead of a "Waco."
  • The controller quickly corrected the pronunciation of the aircraft type.
  • The pilot receiving the advisory humorously suggested the aircraft might be both a "Waco" and a "whacko."
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Last Friday, we departed Detroit City VFR northbound in my SR22 for some sightseeing and requested traffic advisories from Selfridge Approach. Shortly thereafter, we heard this exchange:

Selfridge Approach:
“Cessna XXX, traffic at one o’clock and two miles. A whacko.”

Then a brief pause.

Selfridge:
“Correction: That’s a ‘Waco.'”

Cessna XXX:
“Maybe he’s both!”


Brian Litch

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