Short Final: 'Stand-Up' Controller

Short Final: ‘Stand-Up’ Controller

Editorial Staff

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

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Credit: Wikimedia

Key Takeaways:

During a test flight of his Jetprop after a panel update, a pilot mistakenly requested the "RNAV 26 Right Approach" from Phoenix Tower.
The tower controller responded with a humorous and empathetic remark, stating, "That’s OK. We all make mistakes. I’ve been married four times."
This brief exchange illustrates a moment of human error and understanding in air traffic control communication.

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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.”