Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot flying in marginal VFR conditions was unknowingly approaching a restricted area containing a microwave installation.
  • Air Traffic Control (ATC) alerted the pilot, issuing a stark warning about potential equipment damage and reproductive health issues if they flew too close to the tower.
  • The pilot promptly acknowledged the warning and corrected their course to avoid the hazard.
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We were flying from Chatham, Massachusetts to Nantucket with flight following from Cape approach. The weather was marginal VFR with heavy haze and reasonably poor visibility when out of the mist we heard this on the air:

Cape approach: “Cessna Four Five Six, are you aware that you are heading toward a restricted area?”

Cessna: “No, I wasn’t aware of a restricted area. What’s in there?”

Cape approach: “It’s some type of microwave installation.”

Cessna: “Yup, I see a tower ahead.”

Cape approach: “That’s the tower I want you to miss. If you fly near that tower, it could ruin all your equipment, and you’ll never have anv children.”

Cessna: “Roger that. Turning now…”

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