Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot, after completing practice instrument approaches, contacted ground control requesting to "taxi VFR to X39."
  • Ground control humorously interpreted this as a literal request to taxi the aircraft via ground roads to the destination airport, offering directions to a nearby highway (I-4).
  • The pilot, realizing the gaffe, quickly corrected the request, confirming their intention to fly to the destination.
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Overheard in IFR Magazine's 'On the Air' Section
Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air”

After several practice instrument approaches into Lakeland, Florida, I stopped and headed to the restaurant. Later, when ready to leave, I called ground control:

Me:
“Control, ready to taxi VFR to X39.”

Ground (chuckling) :
“Cessna Three Four Five, it would be quicker if you flew, but if you would rather taxi, I-4 is just up the road. Cleared via taxiway Bravo to Alpha Three for departure.”

Me (somewhat embarrassed) :
“Ah – ground, Cessna Three Four Five cleared by Bravo to Alpha Three. And I think we’ll fly.”

Rick Stapleton
via e-mail

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