Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An air traffic controller questioned a pilot about using an unusual beacon code typically reserved for special situations.
  • The pilot explained that their transponder could only squawk that particular code.
  • The exchange concluded humorously with the pilot joking about trying to fix the transponder with a hammer, eliciting laughter from ATC.
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Last week, my wife and I heard this radio exchange while flying across Texas:

San Angelo Approach:
“Cardinal XXX, you got time for a quick question?”

Cardinal XXX:
“Sure.”

SJT Approach (in a deep Texas drawl):
“Is there somethin’ special about your flight today? Special cargo or something?”

Cardinal XXX:
“Nope.”

San Angelo Approach:
“They just have you on a beacon code that’s usually reserved for unusual stuff.”

Cardinal XXX:
“Well, that’s the only code my transponder’ll squawk, so they let me have it.”

Anonymous Aircraft:
“Nice.”

Cardinal XXX:
“Well, I tried hittin’ it with a hammer but -“

SJT:
[Amused laughter while trying to think of something else to say.]

We laughed all the way to San Antonio.


Michael Crook

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