Short Final…

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot flying a Lancair Columbia 350 was on approach to Tucson International.
  • Air Traffic Control cleared a regional jet to follow "the Columbia" on final.
  • The regional jet pilot humorously misinterpreted "the Columbia" (referring to the aircraft) as the Space Shuttle Columbia due to the shared name.
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Proudlyflyingmy new Lancair Columbia 350intoTucson International, having been cleared for the visual to 11L, I heard this interchange with a regional jet:

Tower:RJ1234 you’re cleared for the visual following the Columbia on a one mile final.

(pause)

RJ1234: …I’m following the Space Shuttle?!!

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