On a flight to Purdue University in my Piper Seneca, I was cleared for a right base to Runway 23. With a number of student pilots training at Purdue, the following exchange occurred:
Tower: “300DE execute a left turn for spacing, student traffic on final.”
Me: “300DE left turn for spacing.”
Tower: “300DE, I said left turn.”
Me: “300DE is in a left turn.”
By this time, the traffic on final had landed.
Tower: “300DE cleared to land Runway 23. Do whatever it takes.”
This was because by this time I was in between a base and short final.
Me: “300DE short final, cleared to land 23.” I lowered gear and flaps, and dove to the runway, touching down in the first 500 feet.
Tower: “Nice landing. 300DE contact Lafayette Ground 121.9.”
Me: “Ex fighter pilot—no problem.”
Art Schmidt
St. Joseph, MI
