Short Final: 'Stand-Up' Controller

Short Final: ‘Stand-Up’ Controller

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 08:42 PM ET

Verified

Credit: Wikimedia

Key Takeaways:

A pilot made a minor error in an ATC clearance request, quickly correcting themselves before the controller could respond.
The Phoenix Tower controller responded with understanding and humor, sharing a personal anecdote about mistakes, before re-issuing the correct clearance.

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From IFR Magazine reader Larry Anderson:

I recently had my Jetprop panel updated at a Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport FBO. We conducted several test flights to verify everything was working correctly and the airplane could be signed off for release. On one approach, this was the conversation with the Tower:

Jetprop: “Phoenix Tower, Jetprop 1234 is cleared for the RNAV 26 Right Approach. Oh wait, my bad. There isn’t a 26 Right. We are cleared for the RNAV 26.”

Phoenix Tower: “That’s OK. We all make mistakes. I’ve been married four times. Cleared RNAV 26 Approach.”