Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An air traffic controller at KTUS observed an "empty seat" in a National Guard F-16, to which the pilot humorously responded, "Wishful thinking."
  • Immediately after, a Cessna 182 pilot radioed in to report having an empty seat available.
  • The tower controller eagerly accepted the offer, stating, "I'll take it," expressing a desire to join the Cessna flight.
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I was on Ground Control at KTUS Sunday, March 8, as the National Guard F-16s were out doing their usual practice.

The tower called out to one of them:
“Looks like you have an empty seat there.”

The pilot in the F-16 radioed back:
“Wishful thinking.”

Then a guy taking off in a Cessna 182 radioed in:
“We have an empty seat in our 182.”

The tower responded:
“I’ll take it.”


Paul DeHerrera

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