Short Final: Pugachev’s Cobra

F-22 Raptors at Hickam AFB, Hawaii.
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot flying a Skylane in busy Bay Area airspace was instructed by NORCAL to hold their position.
  • Despite being tempted to make a joke about an impossible fighter jet maneuver, the pilot instead executed standard 360-degree turns.
  • The pilot reflected on the humble Skylane's limitations, noting it's slow and steady but cannot hover.
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Returning to Palo Alto airport from the East on a short flight through the busy Bay Area airspace, I was admiring Mount Diablo at 4500 feet when NORCAL instructed, “Skylane XYZ hold your current position.”

I was extremely tempted to respond “NORCAL, Skylane XYZ commencing ‘Pugachev’s cobra’ maneuver,” but said instead “Skylane XYZ right 360s.”

The humble Skylane goes slow and steady but cannot hover! Maybe one day.

Ivo Linev
Berkeley, California

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