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 air traffic control to hold their current position.
  • The pilot, resisting the humorous urge to perform an advanced aerobatic maneuver, executed standard 360-degree turns and mused about the Skylane's steady but non-hovering capabilities.
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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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