While working as a controller at Ellsworth Approach Control in the 80’s, I heard this exchange.
ATC: Western 474, Ellsworth Approach Control is utilizing a certain phase of the radar called circular polarization, which allows us to depict only the most severe areas of weather on the radar display.
[Long Pause…]
Western 474: Approach, say again, please.
[Without error, ATC repeated the alert, (which I had never heard before!)]
[Second Long Pause…]
Western 474: Approach, we don’t know what’s going on down there, but the co-pilot seems to think that somebody just circumsized a polar bear.
Short Final…
Key Takeaways:
- An ATC controller used highly technical jargon ("circular polarization") to inform a pilot about weather radar capabilities.
- The pilot of Western 474 struggled to understand the complex terminology, requesting a repeat of the alert.
- The co-pilot humorously misinterpreted "circular polarization" as "circumsized a polar bear," highlighting a communication breakdown.
See a mistake? Contact us.
