Returning to Republic Airport in Farmingdale, N.Y., on New Year’s Day, I heard the following exchange between the tower controller and the pilot of a Piper Arrow:
Arrow: “Republic tower, Arrow Three Four Five, eight miles north, inbound with India.”
Tower: “Arrow Three Four Five, report right downwind Runway 32.”
Arrow: “Any chance we can get a straight in?”
Tower: “You said you were north didn’t you?”
Arrow: “Yes, seven miles north.”
Tower: “Arrow Three Four Five, the only way I can give you a straight in for Runway 32 is if you turn north and continue for about 24,000 miles.”
Arrow: (momentary silence) “Uh, okay, sorry, Happy New Year…”
