Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article presents two anecdotes from retired pilots highlighting instances of holiday cheer communicated through aviation services.
  • John Clark recalls a poetic ground control instruction at Chicago O'Hare (ORD) that incorporated a festive tone into navigation directions.
  • Terry Lankford recounts experiencing holiday-themed Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) messages, such as "Information Raindeer" and "Information Santa Clause," and a Christmas Day greeting request at Southern California airports in the early 1970s.
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A double-dose of holiday merriment to celebrate the season.


As a retired NWA/Rep/NCA pilot, I spent a lot of time in and out of ORD. One time, leaving the gate for departure, we heard ground control say to us:

“Via the outer and over the bridge, to 32 rt you go.”

Very melodic for the season.


John Clark
via e-mail


In the early 1970s, just before Christmas:

Landing at Burbank, California, the ATIS was:

“Information Raindeer”

When we departed a short time later, it was:

“Information Santa Clause”

On Christmas Day a few days later, Van Nuys ATIS:

“Advise Van Nuys Ground or Tower on initial contact that you are having a merry Christmas.”


Terry Lankford
via e-mail

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