Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot flying an aging rental aircraft was cleared to climb in busy Class C airspace over Melbourne.
  • Air Traffic Control (ATC) subsequently instructed the pilot to maintain the "best rate of climb."
  • The pilot humorously responded, implying the aircraft was already struggling to climb efficiently despite the ATC instruction.
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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

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