Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An airliner's query to air traffic control about its sequence was met with a humorous, yet firm, refusal.
  • The controller stated that if the aircraft's callsign was identified, it would be placed last, indicating the callsign had been missed and implying the inquiry was ill-timed.
  • This memorable exchange is cited as an actual transmission overheard at O'Hare's air traffic control facility.
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Overheard in IFR Magazine's 'On the Air' Section
Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air”

Airliner:
“Approach, what’s our sequence?”

Approach:
“Calling for the sequence, I missed your callsign – but if I find out what it is, you’re last.”

Courtesy of the Top Twenty Actual Transmissions Heard in the O’HareTracon, from IntentionallyLeftBlank, the newsletter of O’Hare’s National Air Traffic Controllers Association.

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