Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A helicopter pilot reported their altitude (700 feet) to the San Carlos Airport tower but omitted their location.
  • The tower controller responded with a question requiring the pilot to specify their location.
  • The incident highlights the importance of precise communication in air traffic control.
  • The anecdote comes from Herb Patten.
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At San Carlos Airport, there is a lot of pilot training that occurs, so it is common to hear interesting radio calls.

One day, a helicopter pilot reported to the tower:
“We’re with you at 700 feet.”
… but did not provide a location.

The tower controller responded:
“If I were in the airplane with you, where would I be?”


Herb Patten

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