Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An Army OH58 helicopter requested an emergency landing at Kessler Air Force Base due to low fuel.
  • A communication misunderstanding occurred when the pilot misinterpreted "PPR" (prior permission) as avionics.
  • Despite the miscommunication, air traffic control quickly cleared the helicopter to land, prioritizing safety.
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Flying an Army OH58 in the early ’80s, we determined that we would not have the fuel to make our planned destination. Passing Kessler Air Force Base, we called the tower for landing instructions.

Kessler Tower:
“Do you have PPR?” [PPR = “prior permission”]

OH58 (not knowing what “PPR” stood for) :
“No. [pause] All we have is a transponder and an ADF.”

Kessler Tower:
“Clear to land.”


Mike Friel
via e-mail

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