Short Final: Freezing Level

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot relayed a PIREP to ATC about the 5,000-foot freezing level over Santa Cruz summit after hearing another GA pilot express concern about icing conditions.
  • Air Traffic Control (ATC) responded to the freezing level PIREP by asking for the Outside Air Temperature (OAT).
  • The pilot humorously clarified that the freezing level inherently indicates an OAT of zero degrees Celsius.
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After I heard a GA pilot expressing concern about getting into icing conditions, I responded to air traffic control:

Me: “PIREP for the 172 concerned about icing, the freezing level over Santa Cruz summit is 5,000 feet.”

NorCal Approach: “What was the OAT?”

Me: “Well, uh, that would be zero degrees Celsius.”

Bennet Taber
San Francisco, CA
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