Short Final: Going One Direction or the Other

Thursday, March 22, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Air Traffic Control asked a pilot for their intended path around Mt. Diablo (east or west).
The pilot responded with their current general direction, failing to provide the specific navigational intent requested.
ATC had to rephrase the question to get the necessary information on how the pilot planned to navigate past the mountain.

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While flying one day in Northern California, I heard the following:

Center: “Cessna 1234 are you planning to pass east or west of Mt. Diablo?

Cessna: “We’re currently heading south.

Center: (with a chuckle) “I understand that you’re heading south. But when you pass that mountain ahead, will it be on your left or right side?”

Phil Verghese

Santa Clara, CA

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