Short Final: Potholes

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Pilot experienced severe turbulence at 4000 feet.
  • Requested and received altitude increase to 6000 feet.
  • Pilot's humorous response to air traffic control about the improved ride at higher altitude ("potholes are further apart") elicited laughter.
  • Incident occurred in a Warrior aircraft westbound south of Chicago.
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Years ago when it was one of those typical Midwest spring days where the turbulence was ferocious down low, but the headwinds seemingly doubled for every thousand feet of altitude. We were south of Chicago in a Warrior westbound at 4000 feet, talking to South Bend Approach, when our passengers started turning green. Reluctantly, I asked for 6000 feet.

After a few minutes at 6000, South Bend asked if the ride was any better at six.

Me: “Well … at least the potholes are further apart.”

As the controller came on frequency to acknowledge my response, I could hear a lot of laughter in the background.

Verne Wiese

Beavercreek, OH

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