Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An air traffic controller initially misidentified conflicting traffic for a Delta flight, advising it was at "three o'clock" while the pilot observed it at "nine o'clock."
  • The controller quickly clarified the discrepancy by stating their original reference was "three o'clock Zulu, nine o'clock local," prompting the pilot to acknowledge a "nice recovery" and confirm visual contact with the traffic.
See a mistake? Contact us.
Overheard in IFR Magazine's 'On the Air' Section
Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air”

A few winters ago over Missouri:

Center:
“Delta 246, climb and maintain FL350. Traffic three o’clock, 20 miles at FL310.”

Delta 246:
“Roger. Delta 246 departing FL310 for FL350. We see traffic at our nine o’clock position, level.”

Center:
“Ahh – roger, Delta 246. That was three o’clock Zulu, nine o’clock local.”

Delta 246:
“Nice recovery, Center. In sight off our left wing. We’re climbing to FL350.”


Bill Vancil
Fayetteville, Georgia

Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

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

SUBSCRIBE

Please support AVweb.

It looks like you’re using an ad blocker. Ads keep AVweb free and fund our reporting.
Please whitelist AVweb or continue with ads enabled.