Short Final: For Your Viewing Pleasure

Monday, October 25, 2021 at 04:38 PM ET

Verified

Image: U.S. Air Force/Brett Snow)

Key Takeaways:

A Cessna pilot flying over California's central valley was instructed by NorCal Approach to maintain an altitude of at least 3000 feet.
NorCal Approach then informed the Cessna pilot of a C-5 Galaxy aircraft at 2000 feet, positioned at 2 o'clock to the Cessna.
The Cessna pilot responded with appreciation, commenting "my tax dollars at work".
The exchange highlights a lighthearted interaction between air traffic control and a pilot, showcasing the size difference between a Cessna and a large military transport aircraft.

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I overheard this exchange with the local TRACON, NorCal Approach, while flying along California’s central valley:

NorCal Approach: Cessna XXXX maintain at or above three thousand.

Cessna XXXX: Maintain at or above three thousand, Cessna XXXX.

NorCal Approach: Cessna XXXX, for your viewing pleasure, at your two o’clock, a heavy C-5 at two thousand.

Cessna XXXX: Excellent, my tax dollars at work, Cessna XXXX.

Erik Klavon
San Francisco, CA