Short Final

Editorial Staff

Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A pilot in a Piper Seminole reported to New York Approach, noting their professional tone and current speed of 140 knots.
The air traffic controller, seemingly mistaking the Seminole for a faster aircraft, asked if there were any speed restrictions and advised the pilot to "resume normal speed."
The pilot humorously clarified that their current speed was indeed the "normal speed" for a Seminole, highlighting the controller's apparent overestimation of the aircraft's capabilities.

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Overheard in IFR Magazine's 'On the Air' Section

Returning to Princeton, New Jersey in a Seminole, I was proudly clipping along at 140 knots and can only assume that my deep voice and professional-sounding tone led to us appearing to be more than we were:

Me:
“New York approach, Seminole Two Two Eight, 5000.”

Approach:
“Seminole Two Two Eight, Morristown altimeter 30.08. Proceed direct Solberg, maintain 5000. Were you given any speed restrictions? If so, you can resume normal speed.”

Me:
“Direct Solberg, 5000, Two Two Eight. And we’re a Seminole. This is normal speed.”

Karl Siil
Princeton, New Jersey