Short Final

Monday, March 15, 2010 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

During IFR training at Duluth International Airport, a pilot declared a missed approach.
A humorous communication mix-up occurred between the pilot and ATC regarding the assigned climb altitude for the missed approach procedure.
Both the pilot and ATC made errors in stating and reading back the altitude (initially 3,200 feet, then miscommunicated as 2,200 and 3,000 feet) before finally agreeing on the correct 3,200 feet.
The exchange highlights the potential for miscommunication in aviation and the importance of clear, accurate readbacks.

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During my IFR training at Duluth (Minnesota) International Airport, I’d just declared a missed approach. Here’s the exchange I had with ATC:

Tower:
“Cessna One Two Three Four Alpha: Fly heading of zero niner zero. Climb and maintain 3,200.”

Me:
“Zero niner zero, climb and maintain 2,200.”

Tower:
“Make that 3,000.”

Me:
“Climb and maintain 3,000.”

Tower:
“That should be 3,200. We’ll get it right eventually.”

Me:
“But will I? Climb and maintain 3,200.”

Woody Minar
Dresser, Wisconsin