Short Final: Nav Problems

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An air traffic controller observed a pilot (Cessna 23T) flying a heading that would not lead to their declared destination of Houston, Texas.
  • When questioned, the pilot confirmed Houston was still the destination but admitted to experiencing "nav problems."
  • The controller, having already suspected navigation issues, promptly provided the correct heading to guide the pilot directly to Houston.
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On a recent trip from Illinois to Arkansas, we overheard the following exchange:

Razorback Approach: “Cessna Two Three Tango, Razorback Approach. Have you changed your destination from Houston, Texas?”

Cessna 23T: “Razorback Approach, Cessna Two Three Tango. That’s a negative. Destination is still Houston.”

Approach (chuckling): “Well Cessna Two Three Tango, on your current heading you are not going to even hit the state of Texas.”

Cessna 23T: “Approach, Cessna Two Three Tango … we are experiencing … nav problems.”

Approach: “Cessna Two Three Tango, we assumed that, too … turn right heading 179 direct Houston.”

Stephen Kunce

Murphysboro, Illinois

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