Short Final: The Forest

Monday, January 04, 2021 at 07:20 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A Phoenix Departure controller requested an aircraft to squawk "Fife Tree Tree Tree" (5333).
The pilot humorously acknowledged the request by responding "squawking five and the forest."
The controller appreciated the pilot's wit, chuckling before confirming radar contact and providing further instructions.

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Departing Buckeye for Flagstaff, the Phoenix Departure controller was obviously a stickler for standard communications.

Phoenix: Two Seven Victor, Squawk Fife Tree Tree Tree.

Us: Okay, squawking five and the forest, Two Seven Victor.

Phoenix (chuckling): 27V, Radar contact, cleared on course, maintain VFR.

David Bunin