Short Final: Question Time

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Air traffic controllers are generally willing to answer pilot questions during slow periods.
  • During busy operational times, controllers are unable to entertain non-essential questions from pilots.
  • One controller found a humorous, yet firm, way to manage pilot inquiries during busy periods by only acknowledging the initial "do you have time for a question" query.
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As a controller, I occasionally get asked, usually (but not always) when it’s slow on the radio, “Approach, do you have time for a question?”

OK, when it’s slow then yes, I most likely have time and am happy to answer questions. But, if you ask in the middle of a busy session, then the answer is “no.”

One day, I tried another tactic instead of just saying “no.”

Pilot: “Approach, do you have time for a question?”

Me: “Yeah, but only for the one you just asked … Airliner 279, turn right heading ….”

Aaron Grijalva
Castle Pines, Colorado

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