Short Final

Sunday, March 25, 2012 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A pilot departing in a Cardinal aircraft was advised by Socal Departure that their landing gear was still down after takeoff.
The pilot humorously clarified that this was a "fixed-gear Cardinal," indicating the landing gear is permanently extended.
The exchange highlights a lighthearted miscommunication between air traffic control and a pilot concerning the aircraft's type.

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Departing IFR out of KTOA; handed off to Socal Departure after take-off.

Cardinal:
“Good morning, Socal Departure. Cardinal 177VA is climbing through 700 for 3,000.”

Departure:
“Cardinal 177VA, Socal. Please ident, and be advised the tower said your gear was still down.”

Cardinal:
“That’s a good thing. This is a fixed-gear Cardinal!”

Stephen Feldman
via e-mail