Short Final

Editorial Staff

Sunday, July 01, 2007 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A Cessna 150 pilot, flying in IMC under challenging conditions (hot day, near gross weight), was instructed by Saginaw Approach to climb from 5,000 to 7,000 feet.
The pilot informed ATC that the climb would take approximately 20 minutes due to the aircraft's performance limitations.
Saginaw Approach acknowledged the pilot's estimate, revealing they did not need the aircraft at the higher altitude for another 20 minutes.
This interaction demonstrates ATC's potential foresight in issuing instructions that accommodate aircraft performance and the importance of clear pilot communication.

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

Last July, on a 90-degree-plus day, in my Cessna 150 just 30 minutes fuel burn below gross, in IMC and at the already unbelievable altitude of 5,000 feet, Saginaw Approach made this request:

Saginaw Approach: Four Five Uniform, I need you to climb and maintain 7,000.

Cessna 45U: Leaving five climbing seven. But its gonna take me about 20 minutes to do it.

Approach: Four Five Uniform, I know. I dont need you there for another 20 minutes!