Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An air traffic controller mistakenly warned a pilot about a "waterfall in the area" instead of "waterfowl."
  • The pilot was confused by the unusual caution and repeatedly sought clarification from the tower.
  • The controller eventually clarified the warning, explaining they meant "ducks and geese," highlighting a humorous miscommunication due to similar-sounding words.
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Overheard while flying practice approaches at Sioux City, Iowa:

Tower: “Skylane Eight Seven Charlie, cleared for the approach; caution, waterfall in the area.”

Short silence, presumably while the Skylane pilot questioned passengers on the transmission.

Skylane: “Eight Seven Charlie, say again?”

Tower: “Skylane Eight Seven Charlie, cleared for the approach; caution, waterfall in the area.”

Again, short silence.

Skylane: “Ah, cleared for the approach, but what do you mean by the waterfall caution?”

Tower: “Waterfall, you know: Ducks and geese…Waterfowl.”

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