Short Final: Overwater

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot of a single-engine aircraft near Toronto Island refused an air traffic control (ATC) instruction to turn over water, expressing fear due to having only "one spinney thing."
  • ATC subsequently revised its instructions, directing the pilot to maintain the current heading and climb, while also issuing a traffic advisory for an oncoming aircraft.
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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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