Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot initially changed his taxi destination to confront someone who owed him money.
  • Shortly after, the pilot made a second, humorous request for air traffic control to deny taxi permission to a specific aircraft (a Citabria), presumably to prevent the debtor's escape.
  • Air traffic control engaged in lighthearted banter, approving the destination change and playfully suggesting the Mooney's superior speed as an advantage.
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Listening to the radio in our hangar, we heard the following exchange. After landing at KSTS, a pilot requested to taxi to his hangar. He was given specific instructions and was cleared to his hangar. About 30 seconds later, we heard:

Mooney 432XX:
“Santa Rosa Ground, this is Mooney 432XX with a request.”

Ground:
“Mooney 432XX, say request.”

Mooney 432XX:
“I’d like to change my taxi destination to the shade hangars. I see someone over there who owes me money.”

Ground:
“Change in destination approved. Good luck.”

Ten seconds later, we heard:

Mooney 432XX:
“Santa Rosa Ground, this is Mooney 432XX with a second request.”

Ground:
“Mooney 432XX, say request.”

Mooney 432XX:
“If a Citabria requests permission to taxi, please deny request.”

Ground:
“You’re a Mooney; you should be able to outrun him.”


Scott Peterson
via e-mail

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