Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A Cessna pilot at Gainesville Airport requested to land on a specific runway to drop off passengers at the commercial terminal, departing from the original clearance for Runway Six.
  • Air Traffic Control denied the request, informing the pilot that general aviation aircraft must use the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) facilities.
  • After confirming the policy, the Tower humorously suggested a "low approach" for the passengers to jump out, leading the pilot to accept the original Runway Six clearance.
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Overheard in IFR Magazine's 'On the Air' Section
Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air”

Heard at Gainesville, Florida Airport:

Cessna:
“Gainesville Tower, Cessna XXXXX, seven west with Tango.”

Tower:
“Cessna XXXXX, cleared to land, Runway Six.”

Cessna:
“We’d prefer Runway One Zero. We have some passengers to drop off at the terminal.”

Tower:
“Cessna XXXXX, you can’t do that. You have to use the general aviation FBO.”

Cessna:
“We called ahead, and they said we could drop them off as long as we stayed clear of the gate.”

Tower:
“I don’t know who told you that, but I’ll ask the airport manager.”

Later …

Tower:
“Cessna XXXXX. I’m sorry, but you can’t taxi to the terminal. However, if you’d like, I can clear you for a low approach, and your passengers can jump out as vou fly by.”

Cessna (laughing):
“How about I just use Runway Six?”

Peter Schoaff
via e-mail

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