Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An airliner is instructed by Seattle Center to descend and reduce speed to 250 knots for spacing required by Approach.
  • The pilot questions the speed restriction, and the controller confirms its necessity while acknowledging potential inconvenience.
  • In a humorous exchange, the controller quips that "controller ability" is the only complaint about the "ride" at 8,000 feet.
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Overheard in IFR Magazine's 'On the Air' Section
Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air”

Overheard on a busy Friday afternoon with Seattle Center/Approach:

Center (handing off to Approach):
“Cross JAXON at 8,000 and reduce speed to 250.”

Airliner 123 (checking in):
“Approach, will we have to slow to 250 knots at JAXON?”

Center:
“Airliner 123, I wish I could say no, but approach insists that they need it for spacing.”

Airliner 123:
“How’s the ride at 8,000 feet?”

Center:
“No complaints so far, except for controller ability.”

Dave Chuljian
via e-mail

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