Short Final

Editorial Staff

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

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A pilot in a Seminole, flying at 140 knots, contacted New York Approach, reporting their position and altitude.
Air Traffic Control (ATC), possibly misjudging the aircraft type due to the pilot's professional tone, inquired about speed restrictions and advised the pilot to "resume normal speed."
The pilot humorously clarified that 140 knots was, in fact, the Seminole's normal cruising speed, highlighting ATC's misperception of the aircraft's capabilities.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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