Short Final: Windy

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A C-17 pilot practicing approaches in Southern California's High Desert encountered exceptionally strong and gusty winds.
  • The pilot inquired if such intense winds were typical, prompting a humorous response from the air traffic control tower.
  • The tower's reply indicated that the winds, while severe at the time, could sometimes be even stronger, highlighting the challenging conditions in the region.
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I fly in the High Desert of Southern California. We often get very strong, gusty winds. While practicing approaches, I heard this interaction between tower and a C-17 crew, also practicing.

Tower: “…wind 200 at 25 gusting to 37, cleared for the option Runway 17.”

C-17 pilot after acknowledging information: “Does the wind always blow like this?”

Tower: “No (pause), sometimes it blows hard.”

George White

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