Short Final: Crossing The Sierras

Editorial Staff

Monday, February 07, 2022 at 12:44 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A pilot flying a DA40 NG at 15,000 feet, nearing its 16,400-foot maximum operating altitude, was instructed by ATC to climb to 17,000 feet.
The pilot correctly reported "unable" due to the aircraft's altitude limitation.
The initial air traffic controller expressed confusion regarding the "unable" response.
A subsequent controller resolved the situation by issuing a compliant instruction for a turn and a lower altitude of 16,000 feet.

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I was crossing the Sierras on my way to Las Vegas at 15,000 feet in my DA40 NG, which has a maximum operating altitude of 16,400 feet, when Oakland Center came on and told me to climb to 17,000 feet. I responded “unable.”

After a significant pause, the controller came back and said, “I don’t know what to tell you.”

I’m pretty sure that’s not in pilot‑controller glossary. A couple minutes later he handed me off to the next controller who gave me a five‑degree turn and 16,000 feet.

Russ Irwin

Healdsburg, California