Short Final: ‘Stand-Up’ Controller

Credit: Wikimedia
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • During a test flight, a pilot mistakenly requested an "RNAV 26 Right Approach" instead of the correct "RNAV 26 Approach."
  • The Phoenix Tower controller responded humorously and reassuringly, stating, "That's OK. We all make mistakes. I've been married four times," before issuing the correct clearance.
See a mistake? Contact us.

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.”

Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

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

SUBSCRIBE