Features Flight Planning Flight Safety Short Final

Short Final

Editorial Staff
Verified
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot repeatedly responded to Air Traffic Control's (ATC) request for a heading with the general direction "Southwest," rather than a precise numerical degree.
  • The ATC became increasingly agitated due to the pilot's imprecise answers, indicating a communication breakdown.
  • Ultimately, the ATC had to explicitly provide the numerical heading (225 degrees) to the pilot, clarifying the required precision.
See a mistake? Contact us.

I had just departed a famous airport and proceeded on course.

Tower: Cessna XYZ, what is your heading?

Cessna XYZ: XYZ heading Southwest.

Tower: Cessna XYZ, what is your heading?

Cessna XYZ: XYZ heading Southwest.

Tower (agitated): Cessna XYZ, I need to know your heading

Cessna XYZ: XYZ heading Southwest.

Tower (very agitated): Cessna XYZ, fly heading 225 degrees

Joe Serdynski

Editorial Staff

Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

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

SUBSCRIBE