Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Heathrow Air Traffic Control made an unrealistic request for a Speedbird aircraft to rapidly descend from Flight Level 200 to 3000 feet.
  • The pilot responded humorously, implying a person could make such a descent, but the aircraft itself could not.
  • The exchange highlights an amusing moment of impractical instruction or miscommunication in air traffic control.
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Some years ago I was flying into a very congested London Heathrow Airport when I heard the following exchange with Heathrow Approach.

Heathrow: “Speedbird 123, what is your position in the hold at Lambourne?”

Speedbird: “We are just turning outbound at flight level 200.”

Heathrow: “Roger, Speedbird, could you possibly cross Lambourne inbound at 3000 feet?”

Speedbird: “Roger, I could probably make that, but I doubt if I could take my aircraft with me.”


John Marshall
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