Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An ATC tower at Islip, New York, repeatedly cleared a pilot for touch-and-goes during a quiet period.
  • Upon the arrival of a Southwest 737, the tower mistakenly issued the same "cleared for touch-and-go" instruction.
  • The Southwest pilot humorously informed the tower that they would make a full stop landing instead.
See a mistake? Contact us.
Overheard in IFR Magazine's 'On the Air' Section
Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air”

While in the pattern at Islip, New York, during a quiet time, we’d performed about 20 touch-and-goes, each time receiving a bland “cleared for touch-and-go” from the tower. Eventually, a Southwest Boeing 737 called the tower inbound:

Southwest:
“Tower, Southwest Fourteen Thirty-One.”

Tower:
“Southwest Fourteen Thirty-One, cleared for touch-and-go.”

Southwest (in a heavy Texas drawl) :
“We’ll just make this one a full stop if you don’t mind.”

Mike Sehlmeyer
via e-mail

Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox

SUBSCRIBE