Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • During IFR training, a pilot declared a missed approach, leading to a humorous back-and-forth with Air Traffic Control.
  • There were multiple miscommunications and corrections between the pilot and ATC regarding the assigned climb altitude.
  • Both the pilot and ATC made lighthearted remarks about the repeated errors before finally confirming the correct altitude.
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Overheard in IFR Magazine's 'On the Air' Section
Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air”

During my IFR training at Duluth (Minnesota) International Airport, I’d just declared a missed approach. Here’s the exchange I had with ATC:

Tower:
“Cessna One Two Three Four Alpha: Fly heading of zero niner zero. Climb and maintain 3,200.”

Me:
“Zero niner zero, climb and maintain 2,200.”

Tower:
“Make that 3,000.”

Me:
“Climb and maintain 3,000.”

Tower:
“That should be 3,200. We’ll get it right eventually.”

Me:
“But will I? Climb and maintain 3,200.”


Woody Minar
Dresser, Wisconsin

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