Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Minneapolis Center repeatedly issued incorrect instructions and waypoints to United 928, a flight bound for London.
  • The controller initially misdirected the flight towards "Badger" and then struggled to provide accurate vectors for London, eventually clarifying they were for a different waypoint, "PECOK."
  • The United pilot had to gently remind the controller of their ultimate London destination amidst the confusion.
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Overheard in IFR Magazine's 'On the Air' Section
Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air”

Overheard by a passenger from Chicago to London, England:

Minneapolis Center:
“United Nine Two Eight Heavy, direct Badger – Whoa, we’re not going to Badger are we – Nine Two Eight fly heading 340.”

United 928:
“Um, we’re going to London.”

Center:
“Ah, United Nine Two Eight Heavy, fly 010, vectors to London.”

Center (15 seconds later):
“Of course that’s not really vectors for London, it’s vectors for – um, PECOK.”

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