Short Final: Be Right Back

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An IFR pilot's emotions are heavily influenced by air traffic control (ATC) instructions, shifting from disappointment to excitement based on real-time clearances.
  • A brief exchange between a pilot and ATC highlights the pilot's keen anticipation and reaction to potential routing or climb instructions.
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Every IFR pilot knows the joys and sorrows of routing. Flying home from Massachusetts one afternoon, I heard the following exchange:

NY controller: “King Air XXXX, climb and … disregard.”

Pilot: “Awwww…”

NY controller: “I’ll be right back with you.”

Pilot: “Woo‑hoo!”

Ed Fischer
Philadelphia, PA

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