Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot flying a Seminole aircraft at 140 knots was in contact with air traffic control (Approach).
  • Approach inquired if the Seminole had speed restrictions and advised the pilot to resume normal speed.
  • The pilot clarified that 140 knots was, in fact, the normal cruising speed for their Seminole, correcting Approach's implied assumption.
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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:

Seminole Two Two Eight: “New York approach, Seminole Two Two Eight, 5,000.”

Approach: “Seminole Two Two Eight, Morristown altimeter 30.08. Proceed direct Solberg, maintain 5,000. Were you given any speed restrictions? If so, you can resume normal speed.”

Seminole Two Two Eight: “Direct Solberg, 5,000, Two Two Eight. And we’re a Seminole. This is normal speed.”

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