Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot flying a "very tired" rental aircraft was cleared to climb through busy Class C airspace near Melbourne.
  • Air traffic control instructed the pilot to maintain the "best rate of climb," implying a need for a quicker ascent.
  • The pilot humorously responded that they were "pedaling as fast as I can," indicating the aircraft's struggle to climb efficiently.
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Departing north from Moorabbin (YMMB) on a warm summer’s day, in a very tired rental Arrow, I was cleared to climb in class C over the busy approach to Melbourne.

Centre:
“ABC, cleared to Eildon Weir; climb 7,500.”

[shortly thereafter …]

Centre:
“ABC, maintain best rate of climb.”

Me:
“Best rate? I’m pedaling as fast as I can.”


Andrew Fry
via e-mail

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