Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot initially reported their altitude as 3000 feet.
  • Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructed the pilot to report 2999 feet.
  • ATC clarified that reporting 3000 feet would place the aircraft unauthorized in Class B airspace.
  • The pilot understood the safety and regulatory implications and promptly updated their reported altitude to 2999 feet.
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Overheard in IFR Magazine's 'On the Air' Section
Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air”

Approach:
“You need to say your altitude is 2999 feet.”

Cessna:
“But my altitude is 3000.”

[radio silence]

Approach:
“If you say your altitude is 2999, you won’t be in Class B airspace without a clearance. If you say your altitude is 3000, you’re in Class B without clearance.”

Cessna:
“Ah. My altitude is 2999.”


Bruce Edwards
via e-mail

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