Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An aircraft pilot requested a current altimeter setting from Houston Center.
  • The controller responded with "29.92," subtly reminding the pilot that this is the standard altimeter setting above the transition altitude (flight levels).
  • The pilot recognized the controller's witty implicit correction and humorously anticipated the anecdote appearing in an aviation magazine.
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Between Houston and Austin on December 18, 2012, I overheard the following breif conversation between Houston Center and another aircraft:

Aircraft:
“Houston Center, can you give me a current altimeter setting?”

Center:
“At your altitude, it is 29.92.”

Aircraft:
“Uhhhh — yeah.”

[A brief pause.]

Aircraft:
“Guess I will see that one in the back of IFR magazine next month.”


Larry Frasier
via e-mail

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