Short Final

Editorial Staff

Monday, December 16, 2013 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

During a busy period, an air traffic controller at KHYI mistakenly cleared a pilot for take-off.
The pilot of Mooney 1234N humorously and effectively corrected the controller by asking, "Can I land first?"
The tower promptly corrected the instruction, clearing the pilot to land.

See a mistake? Contact us.

San Marcos, Texas (KHYI) was busier than normal this recent November weekend due to Formula 1 racing in Austin when the following exchange was overheard:

KHYI Tower:
“Mooney 1234N, cleared for take-off, Runway 13.”

Mooney 1234N:
Tower, Mooney 1234N. Can I land first?

KHYI Tower:
Mooney 1234N, cleared to land.

Robert Elliott
via e-mail