Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The anecdote highlights the early unfamiliarity of pilots with ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) during its implementation in the late 1960s.
  • A Cessna pilot humorously misinterpreted San Jose Tower's query about "information Hotel" (an ATIS broadcast designator) as an offer for hotel lodging.
  • The exchange serves as an amusing example of the misunderstandings that can occur when new aviation communication procedures are introduced.
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ATIS was being implemented in the late 1960s, and many pilots were not yet aware of it. While making practice instrument approaches at San Jose International Airport in California, I overheard the following exchange:

Cessna 1234:
“San Jose Tower, Cessna 1234. Ten south, landing San Jose.”

SJC Tower:
“Cessna 1234, do you have information Hotel?”

[silence]

SJC Tower:
“Cessna 1234, do you have information Hotel?”

[more silence]

Cessna 1234:
“Ahhh, no thanks. We’re staying with friends.”


John Forker
via e-mail

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