I was that stage of my instrument training where I was struggling to keep the shiny side up while monitoring radios, tuning navaids, and looking at approach charts. My instructor and I were shooting a Localizer approach to 17R at David Wayne Hooks airport in Houston. It was during the winter and already dark. Thankfully, there wasn’t much happening on the control tower frequency.
Me: Hooks tower, Cessna 31C is 10 miles north for a practice Localizer 17R approach.
Tower: Roger 31C, report passing Flika
I was overloaded; trimming for the descent, trying to keep the little line centered, watching my altitude, and everything else that was new to me and I blew right through the intersection. Hooks has radar so the tower controller knew where I was.
Tower: 31C, have you passed Flika?
Me: Sorry, yes. Now 4 DME.
Tower: 31C, in that case, disregard passing Flika. Cleared to land 17R or for the option.
To his credit, there wasn’t a hint of frustration or sarcasm in his voice. I called him later to thank him for his graciousness to a fledgling IFR student.
Kelly Dickens
