Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An air traffic controller repeatedly instructed a pilot (Heavy Iron 123) to reduce speed, but received no initial response.
  • The pilot only complied after the controller issued a very stern warning, highlighting immediate collision danger and the consequence of non-compliance.
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Overheard in IFR Magazine's 'On the Air' Section
Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air”

Overheard near the Tennessee/Alabama border:

Memphis:
“Heavy Iron 123, reduce speed to 210.”

[no response]

Memphis:
“Heavy Iron 123, reduce speed to 210.”

[no response]

Memphis:
“Heavy Iron 123, reduce speed to 210, now. You’re about to knock the rudder off that traffic in front of you. Or, if you’d rather you can have a tour of the state of Alabama … .”

Heavy Iron 123:
“Reducing to 210.”

John Austin
Memphis, Tennessee

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