Short Final: Overwater

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A single-engine Piper pilot refused an air traffic control (ATC) instruction to turn over Lake Ontario.
  • The pilot expressed concern about flying over water with "only one spinney thing" (a single engine).
  • ATC subsequently provided an alternative instruction to maintain current heading and climb, along with traffic advisories.
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We were following the Lake Ontario shoreline north toward Billy Bishop Toronto City airport on Toronto Island near downtown Toronto. On frequency we heard the following.

Toronto Terminal: “Piper 1234, turn heading 110, vector for traffic.”

Piper 1234: “Oooh no! I’m not going out over the water—I’ve only got one spinney thing!”

Toronto Terminal: “Piper 1234, maintain current heading. Climb and maintain 3400. Traffic 12 o’clock, four miles, opposite direction, 2300 feet is a Cardinal.”

Daniel Eberl

Iowa City, IA

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