Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Air Traffic Control (Center) advised Delta 246 of traffic at their "three o'clock" position.
  • The pilot of Delta 246 responded that they saw the traffic at their "nine o'clock."
  • Center quickly clarified that the initial "three o'clock" bearing was given in Zulu (universal) time.
  • This clarification resolved the apparent discrepancy, as the traffic was indeed at the pilot's "nine o'clock local" position.
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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

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