Short Final: In The Pattern

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Nashua Airport (KASH) was experiencing severe air traffic congestion, largely due to a high number of student airplanes in the pattern.
  • Both the pilot awaiting departure (the author) and other pilots, as well as the air traffic control tower, were overwhelmed by the crowded conditions and long delays.
  • A humorous exchange highlighted the shared frustration, with a pilot's emphatic refusal to stay in the pattern being deemed "the most sensible thing I've heard all day" by the tower controller.
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Nashua Airport (KASH) was a madhouse. The pattern was stretched out, and filled with student airplanes. Folks were getting messages like, “You are number 5 for the field.” I was number 1 for departure and told that tower that I was ready when they could take me.

The tower was apologetic. “I’ll get you out when I can.”

With ADS-B, I could watch the action unfold, and saw no openings. Finally, there was a break.

Tower: “Skylane 33Y, will you be staying in the pattern?”

33Y: “No way!”

The tower keyed his mike. I could hear guffaws in the background. He paused for a moment.

Tower: “That’s the most sensible thing I’ve heard all day.”

Stephen Mayotte

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