Short Final

Editorial Staff

Sunday, February 11, 2007 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

During bad weather, a search and rescue helicopter pilot reported holding at 3,000 feet over a beacon.
A second voice, expressing panic, immediately contradicted this, stating they were also holding at the same altitude and location.
The helicopter pilot then humorously clarified that the panicking voice was actually their own copilot, revealing a momentary lapse in awareness within the cockpit.

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

This comes from a search and rescue pilot at Canadian Forces Base in Bagotville, Quebec. It happened late one night during bad weather, as heard over the tower radio:

Helicopter pilot: Roger, I’m holding at 3,000 feet over the beacon.

Second voice: (Panic in voice) No, you can’t be doing that…I’m holding at 3,000 feet over that beacon.

Helicopter pilot: (Short pause) You idiot, you’re my copilot.