Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot flying a "very tired" rental aircraft was cleared to climb over busy class C airspace near Melbourne.
  • When Air Traffic Control requested a "best rate of climb," the pilot humorously replied that they were already "pedaling as fast as I can," indicating the aircraft's struggle to ascend efficiently.
See a mistake? Contact us.

Departing north from Moorabbin (YMMB) on a warm summer’s day, in a very tired rental Arrow, I was cleared to climb in class C over the busy approach to Melbourne.

Centre:
“ABC, cleared to Eildon Weir; climb 7,500.”

[shortly thereafter …]

Centre:
“ABC, maintain best rate of climb.”

Me:
“Best rate? I’m pedaling as fast as I can.”


Andrew Fry
via e-mail

Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox

SUBSCRIBE