Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot informed air traffic control (ATC) that a 5-degree turn was "too little" for them to execute.
  • When asked, the pilot confirmed they were capable of making a 90-degree turn.
  • ATC subsequently issued a complex instruction involving a 95-degree right turn followed by a 90-degree left turn to accommodate the pilot's unusual turning preferences.
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Several years ago, while passing through Caracas air space, I heard this on the radio:

Piper 1234:
“Caracas Control, Piper 1234 inbound for full stop.”

Caracas:
“Piper 1234, turn right five degrees to intercept the ILS.”

Piper 1234:
“Caracas, five degrees is too little a turn for me.”

Caracas:
“Piper 1234, can you make a 90-degree turn?”

Piper 1234:
“Affirmative. I can do 90 degrees.”

Caracas:
“Roger. Piper 1234, make a 95-degree turn to the right, then make a 90-degree turn to the left to intercept the ILS.”


Tom McEntire
via e-mail

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