Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot practicing instrument approaches (N1234) received missed approach instructions to climb to 2800 feet.
  • After reporting the missed approach and requesting further vectors, air traffic control noted that N1234 was at 3400 feet, not the assigned 2800 feet.
  • The pilot humorously attributed the altitude deviation to an ongoing "discussion with the auto-pilot as to which of us is actually pilot-in-command."
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Overheard in IFR Magazine's 'On the Air' Section
Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air”

I was doing practice approaches when I heard approach control contact another aircraft on a similar mission:

Controller:
“N1234, what are your intentions after this approach?”

N1234:
“I’ll be missed approach, and I’d like vectors to the ILS 36.”

Controller:
“Missed approach instructions: Climb to 2800 and direct to the VOR.”

[… sometime later …]

N1234:
“Approach, N1234 is missed approach direct to the VOR. Request vectors for the ILS 36.”

Control:
“Turn right to 1-1-0 degrees, vector for the ILS. Maintain 2800 feet. I’m showing you at 3400 feet.”

N1234:
“Descending to 2800. I’m sorry. I’m having a discussion with the auto-pilot as to which of us is actually pilot-in-command.”

John Steiner
via e-mail

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